The People’s Union USA added another huge chain to its economic blackout list: McDonald’s.
The People’s Union USA added another huge chain to its economic blackout list: McDonald’s.
T-Mobile’s Starlink satellite service launches on July 23
T-Mobile’s satellite service, or simply called T-Satellite, with Starlink will be available across the US starting on July 23, even to customers of other carriers. The company said the service can cover 500,000 square miles of area that traditional carriers can’t reach, which are mostly remote locations far from cell towers. T-Satellite will support texting for both Android and iOS devices at launch. Android owners will also be able to send MMS, images and short audio clips from the start, while support for iOS devices will follow. On October 1, T-Mobile will enable a data-based satellite service.
Starlink has already 657 direct-to-cell satellites in orbit that can provide coverage for T-Satellite customers. The carrier has been testing the service for a while now, enabling it for use during emergencies in the past, such as when Hurricane Milton made landfall in Florida in 2024. In February, T-Mobile launched the beta version of the service’s texting feature, which will continue to be free until July when the full service becomes available.
The carrier says the beta program has been “incredibly successful” and has 1.8 million users who’ve sent out over a million text messages from “areas unreachable by any terrestrial provider,” including national parks. In addition, the number of messages received by users was three times the number of messages received, demonstrating that they were connected to the service even while they weren’t really using it.
T-Satellite will work with select apps optimized for satellite data to start with, including AccuWeather, AllTrails, Google, WhatsApp, X and more. T-Mobile’s Experience Beyond subscribers will be able to access the service for free. Everyone else, including AT&T and Verizon subscribers, can pay $10 a month for access. T-Satellite will also roll out free 911 texts even to non-subscribers and regardless of the carrier later this year.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/t-mobiles-starlink-satellite-service-launches-on-july-23-120050567.html?src=rss
The Morning After: Samsung’s big foldable Unpacked event takes place on July 9
The third Unpacked of 2025 (following installments in January and May) will be on July 9 at 10AM ET, kicking off in Brooklyn, New York. The company usually debuts its latest foldables in the summer, so we’re expecting to see the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 here. However, there’s an extra wrinkle (don’t say wrinkle with foldables!): It’s looking like the premium Galaxy Z Fold Ultra is joining the family.
What exactly can you expect? We’ve written all about it. When it comes to foldables, one recent leak suggested Gemini Live will be a core part of the foldables’ presentation — which would make sense with this form factor. You’d be able to chat with the foldables without having to unfurl them. Leaked renders suggest the Galaxy Z Fold 7 will have a slimmer profile than the prior model and even a navy blue option. Escape from the grey! If the renders are accurate, the cover display and inner display will be bigger too. The Galaxy Z Flip 7 will also get a bigger screen, apparently.
Samsung
Then there’s the Galaxy Z Fold Ultra. There are no specs teased yet, but the company insists this will have “industry-leading hardware, cutting-edge performance and seamless AI integration optimized for the foldable format.” This doesn’t appear to be the tri-fold design we’ve heard and seen in various places, however. Maybe that’s a Fold 8 situation.
Typically, Samsung will take the opportunity to update its accessories too, so there’s a good chance we’ll see the Galaxy Watch 8 and/or the Galaxy Buds. Roll on July 9 to see what appears.
— Mat Smith
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Tesla’s quiet robotaxi launch runs into a few bumps
One Tesla briefly drove on the wrong side of the road.
Tesla quietly launched its robotaxi service over the weekend for a small group of very vocal test passengers. The Sunday rollout included only a small number of cars and heavy human supervision. The company’s cautious rollout ultimately seems for the best — at least one robotaxi attempted to drive on the wrong side of the road. The ride video shared by Rob Maurer showed the Tesla’s wheel start jerking back and forth, and the car briefly crosses to the wrong side of the road. (The in-car supervisor didn’t appear to do anything.) Other early riders have shared multiple instances of robotaxis going over the speed limit.
Apple read your mean tweets about Liquid Glass and Finder
Liquid Glass gets a little liquid.
Apple
Apple has already walked back some of the proposed design revisions it announced during WWDC 2025. 9to5Mac noticed the most recent developer betas included a darker, blurrier level of transparency, making parts of iOS et al easier to read and less of a carcrash, visually.
The other change reversed was the Finder app in macOS Tahoe. The previous developer beta flipped the colors in the icon, putting blue on the right and white on the left. Yeah, that’s it. Aren’t there many, many more things to complain and be worried about in June 2025?
Continue reading.
Xbox’s VR headset with Meta could be released sooner than we thought
A blacked-out, Xbox-branded Meta Quest 3S headset?
According to an image leaked on X and Game Sandwich, Xbox is reportedly teaming up with Meta to release an Xbox-branded Quest 3S headset in the coming days. The rumored specs show a very similar build to the base model Quest 3S with 128GB of storage but will reportedly be bundled with an Xbox wireless controller, a Meta Quest Elite strap and three months of Xbox Game Pass. Specs-wise, it seems largely the same VR headset, just with a moodier paint job. Given we’ve just seen the ASUS handheld collaboration, Xbox is having a busy hardware quarter.
Continue reading.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/general/the-morning-after-engadget-newsletter-121518786.html?src=rss
UK proposes greater regulation for Google’s search practices
The UK might introduce new regulations for Google. The country’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has proposed designating the company’s search services with “strategic market status” (SMS). In doing so, the regulatory body could direct Google to create fairer business rankings on search, for instance.
The CMA launched an antitrust investigation into Google Search in January — its first probe under the UK’s Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers (DMCC) Act. Concerns include search advertising costing more than in a competitive market, minimal transparency on ranking search results and Google’s vast access to websites and historical searches. There’s also the issue of publishers getting fair terms and control over their content’s use in search and AI-generated summaries.
“Google search has delivered tremendous benefits — but our investigation so far suggests there are ways to make these markets more open, competitive and innovative.” Sarah Cardell, Chief Executive of the CMA, said in a statement. A final decision on Google’s SMS designation will come by October 13.
It would also apply to AI-based search features, but not Gemini AI Assistant — though the CMA states this is subject to change.
If the labeling goes ahead then the CMA will likely enact “early priorities” like the following:
Requiring choice screens for users to access different search providers
Ensuring fair ranking principles for businesses appearing on Google search
More transparency and control for publishers whose content appears in search results
Portability of consumer search data to support innovation in new products and services
These points stand as a roadmap for how CMA plans to handle any initial designation period for an SMS. “These targeted and proportionate actions would give UK businesses and consumers more choice and control over how they interact with Google’s search services — as well as unlocking greater opportunities for innovation across the UK tech sector and broader economy,” Cardell stated. The CMA aims to provide additional actions to tackle more complex issues beginning in early 2026.
The SMS designation doesn’t imply Google has engaged in anti-competitive actions. Parties interested in Google’s status can provide their views on the proposal directly to the CMA.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/uk-proposes-greater-regulation-for-googles-search-practices-122825066.html?src=rss
Netflix is removing over 20 games, including Hades and Monument Valley
Netflix’s games arm is struggling. The streamer is removing over 20 games from its library, including popular titles like Hades and all three Monument Valley games. It follows the closure of Netflix’s AAA gaming studio in October.
The games will leave Netflix in July, so there’s not much time left to play them. Here are all the titles dropping off of the streamer:
Battleship
Braid, Anniversary Edition
Carmen Sandiego
CoComelon: Play with JJ
Death’s Door
Diner Out: Merge Cafe
Dumb Ways to Die
Ghost Detective
Hades (Note: Only available on iOS devices)
Katana ZERO
LEGO Legacy: Heroes Unboxed
Ludo King
Monument Valley
Monument Valley 2
Monument Valley 3
Rainbow Six: SMOL
Raji: An Ancient Epic
SpongeBob: Bubble Pop F.U.N.
TED Tumblewords
The Case of the Golden Idol
The Rise of the Golden Idol
Vineyard Valley
While they all leave in July, the last day to play each game varies. For instance, Hades bows out on July 1, while Death’s Door is available through the 14th. You can see when your favorite game will depart the streamer on Netflix’s mobile app.
Netflix has also scaled back on its interactive content. The streamer cut its offerings from 24 to four at the end of last year. Black Mirror‘s Emmy award winning Bandersnatch was one of the few survivors but left the platform on May 12.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/netflix-is-removing-over-20-games-including-hades-and-monument-valley-123023128.html?src=rss
The Tacx Alpine is a $1,100 gradient simulator for your Garmin smart bike trainer
Cycling season may have only just started, but that’s not stopping Garmin from looking ahead to when all the roadies need to take their bikes indoors. On Tuesday, the company announced the Tacx Alpine, an indoor gradient simulator for its family of NEO smart trainers. The accessory can replicate inclines of up to 25 percent and declines of up to -10 percent, with adjustments made either manually through a built-in control panel or automatically when using the device with a compatible apps like Zwift and Garmin’s own Tacx Training software.
In those same apps, the Tacx Alpine also allows for real-time virtual steering adjustments. Naturally, Garmin Connect support is also included for stat tracking and more. In short, the Tacx Alpine is designed for those who want spice up their off-season training since pedaling a road bike on an indoor trainer is about the most boring thing ever.
Garmin says mounting the front of your bike is easy. Inside the box, you’ll find adapters for both quick release skewers (9 x 100), and thru axles (12 x 100, 15 x 100 and 15 x 110), so the Tacx Alpine will work with most modern road bikes. However, trainer compatibility is limited to Garmin’s NEO 2T and Neo 3M models. Those cost $1,400 and $2,000 new respectively, and the accessory itself will set you back $1,100, with Garmin not planning to offer bundles at launch.
That might seem like a lot to pay for an accessory designed to make your indoor rides less monotonous, but it’s broadly comparable with the rest of the industry. Wahoo, for instance, sells its Kickr Climb simulator for $750, but it doesn’t come with a steering feature. Meanwhile, the Elite Rizer, which offers both steering and gradient simulation, costs $1,000. Either way, if you’re looking at one of these, chances are you already spent a pretty penny on a fancy carbon road bike and the thought of dropping another $1,000 on your hobby doesn’t phase you.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/wearables/the-tacx-alpine-is-a-1100-gradient-simulator-for-your-garmin-smart-bike-trainer-110041344.html?src=rss
Waymo and Uber launch robotaxi service in Atlanta
Uber and Waymo’s robotaxi services are officially available in Atlanta. Now, Uber users who request an UberX, Comfort or Comfort Electric could have Waymo’s all-electric Jaguar I-PACE vehicle pull up for the same cost. Notably, customers will receive a notification ahead of time and can opt-out of having a self-driving vehicle.
At the same time, anyone who wants the experience can increase their chances by updating their ride preferences. “Atlantans are now able to experience the same safety, comfort, and convenience of Waymo’s fully autonomous driving technology that millions of people around the US — from San Francisco to Austin — currently have the access to,” Nicole Gavel, Head of Business Development and Strategic Partnerships at Waymo, said in a statement.
The launch is a long time coming as Waymo first started tests in Atlanta back in January 2018. Then, last September, the company announced its services would arrive to Georgia’s capital city in “early 2025.” If you can count the first half of the year as “early” then Waymo is making it just under the wire.
Uber also provided an update on its Waymo fleet in Austin — launched in March. It now has 100 Waymo vehicles available in the city, with more coming. Uber claims that customers have given the rides in self-driving cars an average rating of 4.9 stars. However, there’s new competition in town, as Tesla launched its own robotaxi service on Sunday, June 22.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/waymo-and-uber-launch-robotaxi-service-in-atlanta-110056091.html?src=rss
The Oversight Board calls Meta’s uneven AI moderation ‘incoherent and unjustifiable’
As Meta’s platforms fill up with more AI-generated content, the company still has a lot of work to do when it comes to enforcing its policies around manipulated media. The Oversight Board is once again criticizing the social media company over its handling of such posts, writing in its latest decision that its inability to enforce its rules consistently is “incoherent and unjustifiable.”
If that sounds familiar, it’s because this is the second time since last year the Oversight Board has used the word “incoherent” to describe Meta’s approach to manipulated media. The board had previously urged Meta to update its rules after a misleadingly edited video of Joe Biden went viral on Facebook. In response, Meta said it would expand its use of labels to identify AI-generated content and that it would apply more prominent labels in “high risk” situations. These labels, like the one below, note when a post was created or edited using AI.
An example of a label when Meta determines a piece of Ai-manipulated content is “high risk.”
Screenshot (Meta)
This approach is still falling short though, the board said. “The Board is concerned that, despite the increasing prevalence of manipulated content across formats, Meta’s enforcement of its manipulated media policy is inconsistent,” it said in its latest decision. “Meta’s failure to automatically apply a label to all instances of the same manipulated media is incoherent and unjustifiable.”
The statement came in a decision related to a post that claimed to feature audio of two politicians in Iraqi Kurdistan. The supposed “recorded conversation” included a discussion about rigging an upcoming election and other “sinister plans” for the region. The post was reported to Meta for misinformation, but the company closed the case “without human review,” the board said. Meta later labeled some instances of the audio clip but not the one originally reported.
The case, according to the board, is not an outlier. Meta apparently told the board that it can’t automatically identify and apply labels to audio and video posts, only to “static images.” This means multiple instances of the same audio or video clip may not get the same treatment, which the board notes could cause further confusion. The Oversight Board also criticized Meta for often relying on third-parties to identify AI-manipulated video and audio, as it did in this case.
“Given that Meta is one of the leading technology and AI companies in the world, with its resources and the wide usage of Meta’s platforms, the Board reiterates that Meta should prioritize investing in technology to identify and label manipulated video and audio at scale,” the board wrote. “It is not clear to the Board why a company of this technical expertise and resources outsources identifying likely manipulated media in high-risk situations to media outlets or Trusted Partners.”
In its recommendations to Meta, the board said the company should adopt a “clear process” for consistently labeling “identical or similar content” in situations when it adds a “high risk” label to a post. The board also recommended that these labels should appear in a language that matches the rest of their settings on Facebook, Instagram and Threads.
Meta didn’t respond to a request for comment. The company has 60 days to respond to the board’s recommendations.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/the-oversight-board-calls-metas-uneven-ai-moderation-incoherent-and-unjustifiable-100056893.html?src=rss
The next Samsung Unpacked event takes place on July 9
It’s almost time for another one of Samsung’s Unpacked events. The third Unpacked to be held this year (following installments in January and May) will take place on July 9 at 10AM ET. It will emanate from Brooklyn, New York and stream on the Samsung Newsroom, the company’s website and its YouTube channel.
Samsung is promising a look at the “next evolution of Galaxy AI and the ever-expanding Galaxy ecosystem.” The company usually debuts its latest foldables in the summer, so we are expecting to see the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 here. As if there was any doubt that this Unpacked will focus on foldables, an image Samsung sent out along with event invitations (embedded below) makes that clear. It’s looking like the rumored Galaxy Z Fold Ultra is in store too, as a teaser video includes the phrase “Ultra Unfolds.” Way to be subtle, Samsung.
Samsung
A new Galaxy Watch also seems likely to make an appearance, while rumors have been flying around that this Unpacked may feature a Galaxy S25 FE, which is slated to arrive later this year. We may even get a glimpse of a Samsung tri-fold phone. Meanwhile, the Android XR headset that Samsung has been working on with Google is slated to arrive this year — this Unpacked seems like a good opportunity for the company to spill the beans on that.
If you’re already pretty sure that you’re going to switch to a new Samsung device, you don’t necessarily have to wait until July 9 to make a reservation for one of the upcoming models. In fact, if you make a reservation starting tonight on Samsung’s website, you can receive a $50 credit.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/the-next-samsung-unpacked-event-takes-place-on-july-9-230044736.html?src=rss
Apple read your mean tweets about Liquid Glass and Finder
The more things change, the more they stay the same. After unveiling some new visual elements to the next generation of its operating systems during WWDC 2025, Apple has already walked back some of the proposed design revisions. 9to5Mac noticed that the most recent developer betas included changes to the new Liquid Glass operating system appearance and to the Finder app icon.
Liquid Glass was divisive from the start. The idea of layering transparency in the user interface appealed to some, while others felt it was needlessly fussy and hard to read, especially when using the Control Center. In the second developer beta of iOS 26, Apple has increased the darkness and blur on the background when the Control Center is active.
The other controversial change centered on the imagery for the Finder app in macOS Tahoe. The previous developer beta flipped the colors in the icon, putting blue on the right and white on the left. It’s a reversal of decades of Mac design, which has long had a lighter shade on the right and a darker color on the left, even as other details of the face illustration have changed. And people were not pleased about it. The usual color layout has returned in the current developer beta.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/apple-read-your-mean-tweets-about-liquid-glass-and-finder-222230726.html?src=rss