<figure><img alt="The Discovery Plus logo on a white backhground." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Jx2PQV7LRugiXZPG_BXuQXE0nDw=/150x0:1770x1080/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71953308/discovery_plus_logo_vertical.0.jpeg"><figcaption>Image: Warner Bros. Discovery</figcaption></figure>Just a few weeks ago, <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2022/8/27/23323305/hbo-max-warner-bros-discovery-david-zaslav-real-housewife-of-hbo-max">Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav</a> claimed that things were going so well over at the company that it was <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2022/11/3/23439491/hbo-max-discovery-plus-streaming-app-spring-2023">expediting its plan to merge</a> HBO Max and DIscovery Plus into <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2022/12/5/23494335/max-warner-bros-discovery-hbo-streaming-app-name">a not-so-secret third thing with an unimaginative name</a>. Now, though, those plans are changing for reasons that Warner Bros. Discovery probably should have seen coming.
The Wall Street Journal reports that while Warner Bros. Discovery is still launching a new service called Max, it now plans to keep a version of just Discovery Plus running in an effort not to lose many of the platform’s current 20 million subscribers who might not be willing to sign up for Max and its higher price point when it launches sometime this spring. 
While “most” of...
 
 <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2023/2/8/23590789/warner-bros-hbo-max-discovery-plus">Continue reading…</a>

The Verge -  All Posts

Warner Bros. Discovery is backtracking on its plan to shut down Discovery Plus

Smartwatches are the fastest-growing category, and they're not slowing down. With so many models available, you can find smartwatch deals all year round.

Digital Trends

Best smartwatch deals: Save on Apple, Samsung, and Fitbit

<figure><img alt="The Tesla logo on a red, black, and white background." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/pAgPydEuB60W3Ur7RknsGEjQb6E=/0x0:2040x1360/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71953292/acastro_STK086_03.0.jpg"><figcaption>Illustration by Alex Castro / The Verge</figcaption></figure>Elon Musk will present his third “Master Plan” during Tesla’s Investor Day event on March 1st, the CEO announced on Twitter last night. The plan will outline “the path to a fully sustainable energy future for Earth,” he said, adding that “the future is bright!”
Musk has been teasing the third iteration of Tesla’s strategic vision for nearly a year. Unlike the first “Master Plan” and the cheekily titled “<a href="https://www.theverge.com/2016/7/20/12242162/tesla-elon-musk-master-plan-solarcity-autonomous">Master Plan, Part Deux</a>,” this version will include updates regarding Musk’s other two companies, SpaceX and The Boring Company, he said in a March 2022 tweet. 
“Main Tesla subjects will be scaling to extreme size, which is needed to shift humanity away from fossil fuels, and AI,” <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1505791520024186882">Musk wrote</a>. “But I will also Include sections about SpaceX,...
 
 <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2023/2/8/23590796/tesla-master-plan-3-date-elon-musk-investor-day">Continue reading…</a>

Tesla’s ‘Master Plan 3’ is coming March 1st, Elon Musk says

Instagram <a href="https://about.fb.com/news/2023/02/earn-money-on-instagram-with-gifts/">announced</a> today it’s expanding access to a new monetization feature called <a href="https://creators.instagram.com/blog/ig-gifts">Gifts</a> to more creators across the U.S. The feature, which first began testing last year, allows fans to provide a favorite creator with direct monetary support in the form of themed virtual gifts. The gifts are purchased in the Instagram app using the virtual currency <a href="https://help.instagram.com/738469380549477?helpref=faq_content">Stars</a> and can cost anywhere from just 10 stars to several hundred stars.
While sending <a href="https://www.facebook.com/help/475609599654047/?helpref=related_articles">Stars was already available</a> across live and on-demand videos, including Reels, the addition of Gifts allows Instagram to better compete against rivals like TikTok, where virtual gifts are already available. It also provides the company with another revenue stream beyond advertising, as Instagram creators have to share a cut of the revenue they earn with Instagram.
Creators in the U.S. will be able to check to see if they’re now eligible to receive Gifts from their Professional Dashboard in settings. If so, they can toggle on the option if they choose.
On the web, <a href="https://m.facebook.com/star/">Stars sell for $0.99</a> for a pack of 45 and go up from there, but they’re also available for purchase directly within the Instagram app as in-app purchases.

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<img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2482285" decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-2482285" src="https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/instagram-gifts.jpeg?w=680" alt="" width="680" height="592" srcset="https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/instagram-gifts.jpeg 960w, https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/instagram-gifts.jpeg?resize=150,131 150w, https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/instagram-gifts.jpeg?resize=300,261 300w, https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/instagram-gifts.jpeg?resize=768,669 768w, https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/instagram-gifts.jpeg?resize=680,592 680w, https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/instagram-gifts.jpeg?resize=50,44 50w" sizes="(max-width: 680px) 100vw, 680px">Image Credits: Instagram
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In this morning’s announcement, Instagram noted the Reels tipping feature was first <a href="https://about.fb.com/news/2022/11/new-creators-tools-facebook-and-instagram/">publicly introduced in November</a>. However, it had been spotted long before that. Last fall, the company <a href="https://techcrunch.com/2022/09/13/instagram-testing-gifts/">confirmed to TechCrunch</a> it had developed an internal prototype of Gifts, originally under the name “content appreciation.” It followed the development of other in-app tipping features, including the ability to send Stars to creators and the<a href="https://techcrunch.com/2020/10/20/instagram-rolls-out-fan-badges-for-live-videos-expands-igtv-ads-test/"> launch of Badges in 2020</a>, which added a heart icon next to your name in the comments. But Badges were aimed only at live videos, while Gifts, as of its debut, focused on Reels.
When available, you’ll see the option to “Send Gift” above the creator’s username on a Reel, as can be seen with early tester, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/hammyandolivia/?hl=en">Hamilton &amp; Olivia</a>.
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<img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2482298" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="vertical size-large wp-image-2482298" src="https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/IMG_4912.png?w=314" alt="" width="314" height="680" srcset="https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/IMG_4912.png 1290w, https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/IMG_4912.png?resize=69,150 69w, https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/IMG_4912.png?resize=138,300 138w, https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/IMG_4912.png?resize=768,1665 768w, https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/IMG_4912.png?resize=314,680 314w, https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/IMG_4912.png?resize=709,1536 709w, https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/IMG_4912.png?resize=945,2048 945w, https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/IMG_4912.png?resize=554,1200 554w, https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/IMG_4912.png?resize=23,50 23w" sizes="(max-width: 314px) 100vw, 314px">Image Credits: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/hammyandolivia/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@hammyandolivia (opens in a new window)</a>
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The virtual tipping program’s focus on Reels may also prompt more creators to dabble in the format, which is still a priority for Instagram in its battle with TikTok. Though the company admitted recently that it <a href="https://9to5mac.com/2023/01/24/instagram-ceo-admits-the-platform-is-pushing-too-many-videos-on-users/#:~:text=However%2C%20this%20has%20left%20many,many%20videos%E2%80%9D%20on%20its%20users.">may have pushed too many videos</a> on its user last year, it continues to see Reels as a means to boost growth. During its Q1 2022 earnings out earlier this month, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said that Reels video plays across Facebook and Instagram had more than doubled in 2022 and people sharing Reels with friends had more than doubled on both apps in just the last six months.

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<img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2482286" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-2482286" src="https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/03_Add-to-balance.jpeg?w=680" alt="" width="680" height="592" srcset="https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/03_Add-to-balance.jpeg 960w, https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/03_Add-to-balance.jpeg?resize=150,131 150w, https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/03_Add-to-balance.jpeg?resize=300,261 300w, https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/03_Add-to-balance.jpeg?resize=768,669 768w, https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/03_Add-to-balance.jpeg?resize=680,592 680w, https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/03_Add-to-balance.jpeg?resize=50,44 50w" sizes="(max-width: 680px) 100vw, 680px">Image Credits: Instagram
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But even though Reels are gaining traction among users, they’ve presented more of a challenge in terms of revenue generation. Zuckerberg pointed out that the monetization efficiency of Reels is much less than the Feed, which means that as it grows, it takes time away from a more profitable part of the app and the company loses money. Meta forecast that it wouldn’t be until year-end or next year that it would be able to profitably grow Reels while keeping up with the consumer demand for the format.
Given the situation, it’s easy to see why Instagram would want to plug in another monetization lever into the Reels system, as it’s now doing with Gifts.
The company says it aims to continue to make the feature available to more creators over time.
 
<a rel="nofollow" href="https://techcrunch.com/2023/02/08/instagram-expands-access-to-reels-focused-tipping-feature-gifts/">Instagram expands access to Reels-focused tipping feature, Gifts</a> by <a rel="nofollow" href="https://techcrunch.com/author/sarah-perez/">Sarah Perez</a> originally published on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://techcrunch.com/">TechCrunch</a>

Instagram announced today it’s expanding access to a new monetization feature called Gifts to more creators across the U.S. The feature, which first began testing last year, allows fans to provide a favorite creator with direct monetary support in the form of themed virtual gifts. The gifts are purchased in the Instagram app using the […]
<a rel="nofollow" href="https://techcrunch.com/2023/02/08/instagram-expands-access-to-reels-focused-tipping-feature-gifts/">Instagram expands access to Reels-focused tipping feature, Gifts</a> by <a rel="nofollow" href="https://techcrunch.com/author/sarah-perez/">Sarah Perez</a> originally published on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://techcrunch.com/">TechCrunch</a>

TechCrunch

Instagram expands access to Reels-focused tipping feature, Gifts

Hello and welcome back to Equity, a podcast about the business of startups, where we unpack the numbers and nuance behind the headlines.
This is our Wednesday show, where we niche down to a single person, think about their work and unpack the rest. This week, <a href="https://twitter.com/nmasc_" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Natasha</a> interviewed Cleo’s chief business officer and former CEO, <a href="https://twitter.com/sacchetti">SJ Sacchetti.</a> We spoke about nearly every theme most founders and chief executives are too scared to talk about: ego, setting boundaries, stepping down and becoming a “statistic” and why a company needs to succeed without you. We talk about failure – or the fear of it, at least – and really, where things go wrong when we talk about how success is celebrated in tech.
It’s a profound episode, and I’m jittery to have you all listen to it.
As always, I’ll be back with the full Equity crew on Friday, but you can keep up with us in the meantime on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/EquityPod">@EquityPod.</a>
Equity drops at 10:00 a.m. PT every Monday and at 7:00 a.m. PT on Wednesdays and Fridays, so subscribe to us on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/id1215439780" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Apple Podcasts</a>,<a href="https://overcast.fm/itunes1215439780/equity" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Overcast</a>,<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/5IEYLip3eDppcOmy5DmphC?si=rZDFHv2sQUul_g94iCRgpQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Spotify</a> and all the casts. TechCrunch also has a <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chain-reaction/id1616008890" target="_blank" rel="noopener">great show on crypto</a>, a <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/found/id1561051074" target="_blank" rel="noopener">show that interviews founders</a>, one that <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-techcrunch-podcast/id1624500693" target="_blank" rel="noopener">details how our stories come together</a> and more!
<a rel="nofollow" href="https://techcrunch.com/2023/02/08/the-individual-mistake-that-tech-startups-are-collectively-making/">The individual mistake that tech startups are collectively making</a> by <a rel="nofollow" href="https://techcrunch.com/author/natasha-mascarenhas/">Natasha Mascarenhas</a> originally published on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://techcrunch.com/">TechCrunch</a>

Hello and welcome back to Equity, a podcast about the business of startups, where we unpack the numbers and nuance behind the headlines. This is our Wednesday show, where we niche down to a single person, think about their work and unpack the rest. This week, Natasha interviewed Cleo’s chief business officer and former CEO, SJ […]
<a rel="nofollow" href="https://techcrunch.com/2023/02/08/the-individual-mistake-that-tech-startups-are-collectively-making/">The individual mistake that tech startups are collectively making</a> by <a rel="nofollow" href="https://techcrunch.com/author/natasha-mascarenhas/">Natasha Mascarenhas</a> originally published on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://techcrunch.com/">TechCrunch</a>

The individual mistake that tech startups are collectively making

Managing your finances can be difficult, especially if you want to try something new like investing or even taking out a mortgage for the first time.
Now meet <a href="http://getfierce.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fierce</a>, a new company out to change that. It’s developing a finance super app that is bringing together what founder and CEO Robert Cornish calls “the best of fintech for the customer.”
“Five years ago, you couldn’t really do this,” Cornish told TechCrunch. “You would have had to build everything yourself. That’s why you see a lot of platforms starting out with one thing and then trying to be a super app. We built Fierce to bring in these products, make them really easy for customers to utilize and then leverage the power of them being all in one place.”
Fierce’s offerings include the Fierce Cash account, an FDIC-insured checking account with an annual percentage yield rate of up to 4.25%, and a debit card with access to over 55,000 fee-free ATMs. The app is currently available for iOS and will be launching on Android later this year.
There are no monthly fees or restrictions and the company also offers 24/7 support, educational resources, market insights, analysis and ability to link other existing financial accounts within the app.
There is also stock trading where users can purchase fractional shares and ETFs. Users also have an option to profit from their existing stock holdings through a Fully Paid Securities Lending program where they earn income by lending their stocks.
Fierce pulls in revenue from the investing side and also on the assets under management, Cornish said.
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<video class="wp-video-shortcode" width="400" height="400" preload="none" controls="controls"><source type="video/mp4" src="https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/App-Preview-1-6.5.mp4?_=1"></source><a href="https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/App-Preview-1-6.5.mp4">https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/App-Preview-1-6.5.mp4</a></video>
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Cornish, a software developer by trade, started the New York–based company in 2021 after a career that included chief information officer for the New York Stock Exchange and chief technology officer for Gemini Trust Co. He said one of the things that stuck with him about working in cryptocurrency was “the power of the customer.”
“If you do a great job on the product build, it really creates that relationship,” he added. “That was the foundation as we started to look at Fierce: taking some of the principles that we learned at crypto and bringing them back to traditional finance.”
Fierce also has a nice chunk of capital to get it growing. It raised $10 million in seed funding from a group of angel investors and investors, including Pendrell, AP Capital, Wheelhouse Digital Studios and Space Whale Capital.
With the new funds, the company intends to grow its team of 18, acquire additional customers and work on product development. Cornish is also looking into other benefits, including insurance, personal loans and mortgages.
Coming later this year will be the Fierce Rewards Credit Card, which will give 1.5% cash back on all spending. Any interest and rewards will automatically redeem in the user’s portfolio. There will also be regulated crypto trading.
“We have a very aggressive application that we’re building and the funds enable us to do that,” Cornish said. “Crypto is coming, and obviously, it’s an area that we are very focused around and that we will take a longer term approach.”
<div class="embed breakout embed-oembed embed--techcrunch">
<blockquote class="wp-embedded-content" data-secret="rxXNlbZwOi"><a href="https://techcrunch.com/2023/01/10/six-crypto-investors-talk-about-defi-and-the-road-ahead-for-adoption-in-2023/">6 crypto investors talk about DeFi and the road ahead for adoption in 2023</a></blockquote>

</div>
<a rel="nofollow" href="https://techcrunch.com/2023/02/08/fierce-fintech-super-app/">Former Gemini CTO launches Fierce, a high-yield finance super app</a> by <a rel="nofollow" href="https://techcrunch.com/author/christine-hall/">Christine Hall</a> originally published on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://techcrunch.com/">TechCrunch</a>

The finance super app is bringing together what founder and CEO Robert Cornish calls “the best of fintech for the customer.” 
<a rel="nofollow" href="https://techcrunch.com/2023/02/08/fierce-fintech-super-app/">Former Gemini CTO launches Fierce, a high-yield finance super app</a> by <a rel="nofollow" href="https://techcrunch.com/author/christine-hall/">Christine Hall</a> originally published on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://techcrunch.com/">TechCrunch</a>

Former Gemini CTO launches Fierce, a high-yield finance super app

The OnePlus 10T was so bad it almost killed OnePlus for me, but I'm so pleased to say the OnePlus 11 has changed all that. This is why OnePlus is back.

The OnePlus 11 totally changed my mind about OnePlus phones

<img class="type:primaryImage" src="https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/s--dUbKVS-h--/c_fit,fl_progressive,q_80,w_636/ce42bb090223d5e47ea250d49521dfe2.png">Will I ever truly understand why I love <a href="https://gizmodo.com/constantine-gabriel-tilda-swinton-keanu-reeves-angel-1849575770">Constantine (2005)</a> so much? No. But this was a weird time for a lot of comic films, nestled in between awkward, over-CGI’d family films like Hulk and rated-R weirdness like <a href="https://gizmodo.com/blade-marvel-lovecraft-country-director-yann-demange-1849810031">Blade</a> and Blade 2. Something about <a href="https://gizmodo.com/constantine-was-rated-r-mostly-because-it-was-moody-1844506582">Constantine</a>, which merged a hardboiled detective story and an eternal…
<a href="https://gizmodo.com/constantine-2-keanu-reeves-dc-harley-quinn-madam-web-1850082564">Read more...</a>

Gizmodo

Keanu Reeves' Constantine 2 Still in the Works Despite DC Shakeup

The Minions and Pamela Anderson have invaded the Netflix charts! Keep reading to find out Netflix's 10 most-watched movies in the U.S. from the past week.

The 10 most popular movies on Netflix right now

<figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/cyEk07OMDM1dwNAAb0PO3CMAZhY=/182x0:2129x1298/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71953079/google_generative_ai_answers.0.jpg"><figcaption>Google demoed new generative AI features that summarize search results but didn’t say when they’d be available. | Image: Google</figcaption></figure>Google <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2023/2/8/23589886/google-search-maps-translate-features-updates-live-from-paris-event">demoed its latest advances in AI search</a> at a live event in Paris on Wednesday — but the features pale in comparison to Microsoft’s announcement yesterday of the “<a href="https://www.theverge.com/2023/2/7/23587454/microsoft-bing-edge-chatgpt-ai">new Bing</a>,” which the company has demoed extensively to the press and offered limited public access to.
In perhaps the most interesting demo, Google showed off how it will use generative AI in the future to summarize information from the web. In the demo, the company showed a search for the question “what are the best constellations to look for while stargazing?” with an AI-generated response highlighting a few key options and how to spot them.
“New generative AI features will help us organize complex information and multiple viewpoints right in search results,” said...
 
 <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2023/2/8/23590699/google-ai-search-features-bard-chatgpt-rival">Continue reading…</a>

Google shows off new AI search features, but a ChatGPT rival is still weeks away

<img class="type:primaryImage" src="https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/s--Ba_XEWhy--/c_fit,fl_progressive,q_80,w_636/56a4963728c89d1079503b71bcd43a49.jpg">Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are a result of the movement of large swaths of Earth’s crust, but while the theory of plate tectonics has been widely accepted as a fundamental law of geology, there are still things to be discovered. New research from the University of Texas Austin points to the presence of a…
<a href="https://gizmodo.com/scientists-find-molten-layer-rock-beneath-earths-crust-1850084167">Read more...</a>

Scientists Discover Molten Layer of Rock Beneath Earth's Crust

Are you considering the OnePlus 11, but want something to sweeten the deal? You're getting what you wish for. Amazon is offering a free $100 gift card if you <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Amazon;elmt:;cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Amazon&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsInN0b3JlSWQiOiI2NmVhNTY3YS1jOTg3LTRjMmUtYTJmZi0wMjkwNGVmZGU2ZWEiLCJsYW5kaW5nVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYW1hem9uLmNvbS9zdG9yZXMvcGFnZS9wcmV2aWV3P2lzU2xwPTEmaXNQcmV2aWV3PTEmYXNpbnM9QjBCVDkxWTlUSiUyQ0IwQlQ5MzhUNDklMkNCMEJUOTMzWUYzJnRhZz1nZGd0MGMtcC1vLWtkLTIwIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiJiNGQwZmRlNS01M2FmLTRiOGMtODBjMC1iN2ZmMzc4YjE2ZmIifQ&amp;signature=AQAAAYSa8BS2Vdt7HUZExWDOcZAagBrXQUS0iFiAsbIUB1sn&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fstores%2Fpage%2Fpreview%3FisSlp%3D1%26isPreview%3D1%26asins%3DB0BT91Y9TJ%2CB0BT938T49%2CB0BT933YF3" class="rapid-with-clickid">pre-order the phone</a> in any color or configuration by February 12th. That could be helpful for buying the Buds Pro 2 (<a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Amazon;elmt:;cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Amazon&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsInN0b3JlSWQiOiI2NmVhNTY3YS1jOTg3LTRjMmUtYTJmZi0wMjkwNGVmZGU2ZWEiLCJsYW5kaW5nVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYW1hem9uLmNvbS9PbmVQbHVzLUJ1ZHMtQXVkaW9waGlsZS1HcmFkZS1CZXN0LUNsYXNzL2RwL0IwQlE5MkZEQjgvP3RhZz1nZGd0MGMtcC1vLWtkLTIwIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiJiNGQwZmRlNS01M2FmLTRiOGMtODBjMC1iN2ZmMzc4YjE2ZmIifQ&amp;signature=AQAAAYAHyN4knWl7kGO9o1bowxbcHvKLw9CcElYqmZ7I-hiw&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FOnePlus-Buds-Audiophile-Grade-Best-Class%2Fdp%2FB0BQ92FDB8%2F" class="rapid-with-clickid">$180</a>), a case or other accessories you may need.
<core-commerce data-type="product-list"></core-commerce>
The OnePlus 11 is, in some ways, a <a data-i13n="cpos:3;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/oneplus-11-review-price-release-date-cameras-150015371.html">return to form for the brand</a>. For just under $700, you're getting a fast, long-lasting phone with a vivid display and speedy 100W charging. The cameras are improved over its predecessor, too. Combine this with <a data-i13n="cpos:4;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/oneplus-os-security-updates-four-years-090049695.html">four years of major OS updates</a> and you're getting a phone that can easily compete against some more expensive phones.
You're still getting what you pay for. While the OnePlus 11 is faster than the <a data-i13n="cpos:5;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/google-pixel-7-and-pixel-7-pro-review-still-the-best-bargain-in-flagship-phones-170031940.html">Pixel 7</a>, its cameras aren't on par. There's no wireless charging, and you can't get more than 256GB of storage. If you mainly care about performance and battery life, though, OnePlus' device is difficult to beat at this price point — particularly if you aren't keen on importing phones like the <a data-i13n="cpos:6;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/xiaomi-13-pro-type-1-snapdragon-8-gen-2-101000001.html">Xiaomi 13 Pro</a>.
Follow <a data-i13n="cpos:7;pos:1" href="https://twitter.com/EngadgetDeals">@EngadgetDeals</a> on Twitter and <a data-i13n="cpos:8;pos:1" href="https://subscription.yahoo.net/Newsletter/Preference/sub?b=engadgetdeals&amp;src">subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter</a> for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

Engadget is a web magazine with obsessive daily coverage of everything new in gadgets and consumer electronics

Amazon is offering a $100 gift card if you pre-order the OnePlus 11

<img class="type:primaryImage" src="https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/s--3ijzL2Vj--/c_fit,fl_progressive,q_80,w_636/163161833459a22511c3b263fa3e4894.jpg">Google’s search engine is getting an upgrade—<a href="https://gizmodo.com/bard-google-chatgpt-ai-microsoft-bing-1850079014">yes with AI</a>, but also with a blur filter. In a bid to shield its user’s eyes, <a href="https://gizmodo.com/google-alphabet-mental-health-well-being-layoffs-1850048313">Google</a> announced yesterday that it will blur explicit images in search results, even when SafeSearch isn’t turned on. 
<a href="https://gizmodo.com/google-safe-search-porn-explicit-content-ai-1850087307">Read more...</a>

Google Will Blur Explicit Images Even When SafeSearch Is Turned Off

The best wireless workout headphones for 2023

The UK's competition authority has found that Microsoft's proposed $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard could result in a "substantial lessening of competition in gaming consoles" and "could harm UK gamers." In a <a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://www.gov.uk/government/news/microsoft-activision-deal-could-harm-uk-gamers">provisional finding</a>, the Competition Markets Authority (CMA) said that Activision may need to be split up into separate businesses for the merger to proceed. 
The government said it conducted a wide-ranging probe over the last five months to determine the deal's potential impact. Noting that Microsoft already accounts for 60-70 percent of global cloud gaming services, it said that buying Activision would "reinforce this strong position" and substantially reduce Microsoft's competition in cloud gaming. That in turn could "potentially [harm] UK gamers, particularly those who cannot afford or do not want to buy an expensive gaming console or gaming PC." 
The CMA said that the deal may work if Activision Blizzard divested parts of its business. Namely, it could split out either the Activision and/or Blizzard segments, or the business that operates its biggest franchise, Call of Duty (CoD). The idea, it said, would be to leave assets "capable of competing effectively under separate ownership" with the new business.
In response, Microsoft said it has already addressed the CMA's concerns over competition. "We are committed to offering effective and easily enforceable solutions that address the CMA’s concerns," Microsoft corporate VP and deputy general counsel Rima Alaily told Engadget in a statement. "Our commitment to grant long term 100 percent equal access to Call of Duty to Sony, Nintendo, Steam and others preserves the deal’s benefits to gamers and developers and increases competition in the market."
First <a data-i13n="cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/microsoft-activision-blizzard-acquisition-133637845.html">announced</a> last year, the merger would allow Microsoft to add titles like Call of Duty to its already impressive suite of games. The deal ran afoul of regulators from the get-go, though, over concerns that it would block out Sony's PS5 and other consoles from key games, particularly CoD. Rival Sony vehemently opposes the deal, having called it a "game-changer that poses a threat to our industry." 
Last September, the CMA announced it was <a data-i13n="cpos:3;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/uk-competition-markets-authority-activision-blizzard-microsoft-concerns-monopoly-130432082.html">launching an anti-trust investigation</a> into the deal. The US Federal Trade Commission has also <a data-i13n="cpos:4;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/ftc-microsoft-activision-blizzard-antitrust-competition-lawsuit-191341476.html">sued to block the takeover</a>, and the <a data-i13n="cpos:5;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/ftc-microsoft-activision-blizzard-antitrust-competition-lawsuit-191341476.html">EU is set</a> to make a decision on April 11th with a statement of objections. 
Microsoft said at the time that the CMA's concerns were misplaced and that its arguments were based on "self-serving statements by Sony." In November, it confirmed that it would support Call of Duty on PlayStation "<a data-i13n="cpos:6;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/microsoft-promises-support-call-of-duty-playstation-forever-060216077.html">forever</a>" and <a data-i13n="cpos:7;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/microsoft-call-of-duty-nintendo-consoles-053027619.html">promised</a> to bring it to Nintendo's Switch consoles and Steam as well. 
Microsoft now has until February 22nd to address the CMA's concerns, with a final report from the regulator due April 26th. "Our job is to make sure that UK gamers are not caught in the crossfire of global deals that, over time, could damage competition and result in higher prices, fewer choices, or less innovation. We have provisionally found that this may be the case here," said Martin Coleman, who chaired a panel of independent experts conducting the probe.

UK competition watchdog says Microsoft’s Activision merger ‘could harm’ gamers

Article URL: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhW4XFGQB4o">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhW4XFGQB4o</a>
Comments URL: <a href="https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=34706090">https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=34706090</a>
Points: 2
# Comments: 0

Hacker News - Newest: "technology/"

Primitive Technology: Iron knife made from bacteria

Biden’s speech proves that protecting personal info is no longer a fringe issue. Now, Congress just needs to do something about it.

Wired

Biden’s SOTU: Data Privacy Is Now a Must-Hit US State of the Union Topic

WIRED got two hours behind the wheel of a preproduction prototype that might be the ultimate high-end EV. We could have gone all day.

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Hindu nationalists claim that the chatbot has insulted their deities, sparking an online uproar.

ChatGPT Has Been Sucked Into India's Culture Wars

Article URL: <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/microsoft-adds-chatgpt-ai-technology-to-bing-search-engine-11675793525">https://www.wsj.com/articles/microsoft-adds-chatgpt-ai-technology-to-bing-search-engine-11675793525</a>
Comments URL: <a href="https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=34696679">https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=34696679</a>
Points: 112
# Comments: 154

Microsoft Adds ChatGPT AI Technology to Bing Search Engine

Article URL: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jhCQF-L7Uw">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jhCQF-L7Uw</a>
Comments URL: <a href="https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=34691391">https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=34691391</a>
Points: 2
# Comments: 0

Ukrainian IT Stories. A documentary about the development of technology [video]

Reuters <a href="https://app.assets.reuters.com/e/er?utm_campaign=Reuters%20Best%20Flash_NWSLTR_NEW_GLOB_B2B_23Q1_&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=Eloqua&amp;utm_content=B2B%20230111%20%231_NEWS%20GLOB%20REUTERS%20BEST%20AWARE%20NWSLTR%20FLASH&amp;s=2124157686&amp;lid=31761&amp;elqTrackId=46848C3FF676B481A37439970DF1DFAA&amp;elq=3a0e528523ae4d3ca38b8839d83e0cd9&amp;elqaid=2568&amp;elqat=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exclusively reports</a> the European Commission wants to ask Big Tech and European Union telecoms providers about their investment outlays and cloud infrastructure plans before tabling legislation that could make the former pay for network costs. Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefonica, Telecom Italia and the big operators say such a move is all about a fair share contribution as the six largest content providers account for just over half of data internet traffic.
The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.reutersagency.com/en/reutersbest/article/reuters-reports-eu-wants-details-of-big-tech-telcos-investment-plans/">Reuters reports EU wants details of Big Tech, telcos investment plans</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.reutersagency.com/en/">Reuters News Agency</a>.

Reuters exclusively reports the European Commission wants to ask Big Tech and European Union telecoms providers about their investment outlays […]
The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.reutersagency.com/en/reutersbest/article/reuters-reports-eu-wants-details-of-big-tech-telcos-investment-plans/">Reuters reports EU wants details of Big Tech, telcos investment plans</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.reutersagency.com/en/">Reuters News Agency</a>.

Technology Archives - Reuters News Agency

Reuters reports EU wants details of Big Tech, telcos investment plans

<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Reuters <a href="https://app.assets.reuters.com/e/er?utm_campaign=Reuters%20Best%20Weekly_NWSLTR_NEW_GLOB_B2B_2301_NEW%202&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=Eloqua&amp;utm_content=B2B%20230112%20NEWS%20GLOB%20REUTERS%20BEST%20AWARE%20NWSLTR%20WEEKLY&amp;s=2124157686&amp;lid=31806&amp;elqTrackId=F2B5D6B302E09F69695CA1753ADBBA99&amp;elq=ca0000441c184f4d84a0f7b57b94e9b3&amp;elqaid=2578&amp;elqat=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exclusively reported </a>Chinese display maker BOE Technology Group Co Ltd, a supplier of both Apple Inc and Samsung Electronics Co Ltd, plans to invest a substantial sum to build two factories in Vietnam. </td></tr></tbody></table></figure>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.reutersagency.com/en/reutersbest/article/reuters-reveals-apple-supplier-boe-plans-new-factories-in-vietnam/">Reuters reveals Apple supplier BOE plans new factories in Vietnam</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.reutersagency.com/en/">Reuters News Agency</a>.

Reuters exclusively reported Chinese display maker BOE Technology Group Co Ltd, a supplier of both Apple Inc and Samsung Electronics […]
The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.reutersagency.com/en/reutersbest/article/reuters-reveals-apple-supplier-boe-plans-new-factories-in-vietnam/">Reuters reveals Apple supplier BOE plans new factories in Vietnam</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.reutersagency.com/en/">Reuters News Agency</a>.

Reuters reveals Apple supplier BOE plans new factories in Vietnam

Reuters <a href="https://www.reuters.com/technology/tiktok-freezes-hiring-us-security-deal-opposition-mounts-2023-01-06/?utm_campaign=Reuters%20Best%20Weekly_NWSLTR_NEW_GLOB_B2B_2301_NEW%202&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=Eloqua&amp;utm_content=B2B%20230112%20NEWS%20GLOB%20REUTERS%20BEST%20AWARE%20NWSLTR%20WEEKLY&amp;elqTrackId=EDFD3606CA5D3694798B1DF614158F08&amp;elq=ca0000441c184f4d84a0f7b57b94e9b3&amp;elqaid=2578&amp;elqat=1&amp;elqCampaignId=1635" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exclusively revealed</a> that TikTok has put on hold a hiring process for consultants that would help it implement a potential security agreement with the United States as opposition to such a deal among U.S. officials grows. President Joe Biden revoked an executive order in 2021 by his predecessor Donald Trump to ban TikTok in the United States but talks between his administration and the social media company have continued over a potential deal that would spare ByteDance from being forced to divest in TikTok.
The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.reutersagency.com/en/reutersbest/article/reuters-reveals-tiktok-freezes-consultant-hiring-for-u-s-security-deal-as-opposition-mounts/">Reuters reveals TikTok freezes consultant hiring for U.S. security deal as opposition mounts</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.reutersagency.com/en/">Reuters News Agency</a>.

Reuters exclusively revealed that TikTok has put on hold a hiring process for consultants that would help it implement a […]
The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.reutersagency.com/en/reutersbest/article/reuters-reveals-tiktok-freezes-consultant-hiring-for-u-s-security-deal-as-opposition-mounts/">Reuters reveals TikTok freezes consultant hiring for U.S. security deal as opposition mounts</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.reutersagency.com/en/">Reuters News Agency</a>.

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