Month: July 2023
Deals: Amazon Takes $30 Off Nearly Every Apple Watch SE Model, Available From $219
Today we’re tracking a few deals on the 40mm GPS Apple Watch SE, which is available for $219.00 on Amazon, down from $249.00. Along with this model, Amazon has low prices on nearly every other configuration of the 2022 Apple Watch SE, including cellular models.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
For the 40mm GPS model, you can get all three colors at this price: Starlight Aluminum, Silver Aluminum, and Midnight Aluminum. Additionally, each color has both S/M and M/L sizes in stock and on sale, with delivery dates as soon as August 2 for many models. Overall, this is a solid second-best price.
$30 OFFApple Watch SE (40mm GPS) for $219.00
The 44mm GPS model is on sale for $249.00, down from $279.00. Like the smaller model, this one is available in all three colors and various band sizes with a delivery date around August 1-5 for the fastest options. It’s another second-best price.
$30 OFFApple Watch SE (44mm GPS) for $249.00
Moving to cellular models, the 40mm cellular Apple Watch SE has hit $269.00 on Amazon, down from $299.00. Discounts on both cellular models have been more rare than the GPS versions of the Apple Watch SE, so this is a great opportunity to purchase the wearable at its lowest price.
$30 OFFApple Watch SE (40mm Cellular) for $269.00
Lastly, the 44mm cellular Apple Watch SE is available for $299.00 in all three colors, down from $329.00.
$30 OFFApple Watch SE (44mm Cellular) for $299.00
Be sure to visit our full Deals Roundup to shop for even more Apple-related products and accessories.Related Roundup: Apple DealsThis article, “Deals: Amazon Takes $30 Off Nearly Every Apple Watch SE Model, Available From $219” first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
Today we’re tracking a few deals on the 40mm GPS Apple Watch SE, which is available for $219.00 on Amazon, down from $249.00. Along with this model, Amazon has low prices on nearly every other configuration of the 2022 Apple Watch SE, including cellular models.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
For the 40mm GPS model, you can get all three colors at this price: Starlight Aluminum, Silver Aluminum, and Midnight Aluminum. Additionally, each color has both S/M and M/L sizes in stock and on sale, with delivery dates as soon as August 2 for many models. Overall, this is a solid second-best price.
The 44mm GPS model is on sale for $249.00, down from $279.00. Like the smaller model, this one is available in all three colors and various band sizes with a delivery date around August 1-5 for the fastest options. It’s another second-best price.
Moving to cellular models, the 40mm cellular Apple Watch SE has hit $269.00 on Amazon, down from $299.00. Discounts on both cellular models have been more rare than the GPS versions of the Apple Watch SE, so this is a great opportunity to purchase the wearable at its lowest price.
Lastly, the 44mm cellular Apple Watch SE is available for $299.00 in all three colors, down from $329.00.
Be sure to visit our full Deals Roundup to shop for even more Apple-related products and accessories.
This article, “Deals: Amazon Takes $30 Off Nearly Every Apple Watch SE Model, Available From $219” first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Meta Forced to Reveal Anonymous Facebook User’s Identity
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FBI says AI is making it easier for hackers to write malware
Noticed a rise in phishing, malware, and other attacks recently? That could all be down to AI, says the FBI.
The FBI has declared that artificial intelligence is helping almost every aspect of cybercriminal activity from development to deployment, and the trend looks to be heading in only one direction.
Speaking on a recent media call, an FBI official indicated that free, customizable open source models are proving increasingly popular among hackers trying to spread malware, conduct phishing attacks, and carry out other types of scams.
There has also been a considerable increase in the number of hacker-made AI writers which have been purpose-built to target vulnerable Internet users.
AI could be to blame for rising cyberattacks
Generative AI can help in any (or every) aspect of a cyberattack, not least thanks to its powerful coding abilities. Tens of models have now been trained to help write and fix code, making malware development more accessible to those who might not have had the skill before.
The FBI and other organizations has also seen tools being used to create content, for example phishing emails and other dodgy websites.
Furthermore, with the launch of multimodal models like GPT-4, hackers are able to create convincing deepfakes to pressure victims into parting with sensitive information, payment, and more.
Earlier this year, Meta proclaimed that its new speech-generating tool, Voicebox, should not be available without necessary precautions over concerns that it could do serious harm.
Despite promises to be working with companies to help protect vulnerable citizens, with suggestions including watermarking AI content, many remain concerned over the slow development of protective measures in comparison with the much quicker development of AI tools across the board.
Just last week, the White House announced what it called “voluntary commitment” from leading AI companies – specifically, Amazon, Anthropic, Google, Inflection, Meta, Microsoft, and OpenAI – as part of its agenda for safe and responsible AI.
Think you’ve been attacked? Check out the best identity theft protection
Via PCMag
Topline Pro grabs $12M in new capital to help home service businesses get discovered
The company added a social media hub for automated posts and ads as well as an AI-enabled “Super Assistant” to help with navigating through the application and digitizing customer interactions.
Homes are always in need of repair, providing home service businesses with no shortage of opportunity. However, managing inbound requests with actually doing the work and taking payments can be difficult.
In recent years, startups have come online with technology solutions to help small home service businesses juggle all of that. Topline Pro is one of them, infusing generative AI into its platform to manage and scale businesses like general contractors and landscapers.
Nick Ornitz, co-founder and CEO, started the company with Shannon Kay to provide tools and resources so businesses like these can build an online presence via websites, social media and advertisements; gain trust by showcasing their experience through reviews and photos; and offer customers online scheduling and payment options as well as the ability to maintain long-term contact.
The home services category grew 18% in 2021 and another 10% in 2022 due to homeowners spending more time at home during the pandemic, leading more businesses catering to this market to focus on how to grow their businesses and increase discoverability, Ornitz told TechCrunch via email.
“These trends are still unfolding in 2023 and have additionally begun to feel the effects of a slowdown due to a down housing market — thanks to interest rates,” Ornitz said. “All the while, raw material prices have gone up, and so many home service business owners are focused on how to become more efficient in order to maintain margins.”
Topline is situated among an increasingly crowded space. For example, Honey Homes raised capital in June for its subscription-based handyman-on-demand service. There’s also Finli, a mobile-first payment management provider and Zuper, a provider of productivity tools for field service management and customer engagement.
In addition, Fuzey offers a “digital one-stop shop” for small businesses and independent contractors, while Puls Technologies, provides a mobile app connecting tradespeople with on-demand home repair services. All of these companies attracted venture capital in recent years.
Similarly, Topline Pro raised $5 million in 2022. At the time, the company had generated over $25 million in job requests across more than 1,000 monthly subscriber businesses in nearly all 50 states.
A year later, the company has generated over $180 million in business across thousands of businesses in nearly all 50 states. It has also continued double-digit monthly revenue growth and nearly doubled its employee base in the last year, Ornitz said.
The company also expanded its product offerings, including a social media hub where text and image-based social content could go on autopilot, while AI-generated Google Ads could be launched in less than 60 seconds. There is also an AI-enabled “Super Assistant” to help with navigating the application and further digitization of business interactions with customers.
All that growth led the company to go after new capital.
“We’ve reached an inflection point where the product is clearly resonating with pros, resulting in strong retention and ongoing success for our customers,” Ornitz said. “Based on this growth, we felt it was the right time to expand the platform and grow the team to build on this strong momentum, particularly since there is currently a lot of fantastic available talent looking for roles at growing startups.”
Today, Topline announced $12 million in new Series A capital. Forerunner Ventures led the investment along with support from Bonfire Ventures, TMV and BBG Ventures. In all, the company has raised $17 million.
The new cash infusion will enable Topline the opportunity to double the number of employees again, in the areas of engineering, product, customer success, marketing and sales from now to the end of 2023; expand on its generative AI capabilities; and continue product development.
“We will continue to focus on our mission to help the more than 5 million home service small businesses in the U.S. succeed by democratizing the key building blocks of running a home service business,” Ornitz said. “Ultimately, by operationalizing the overhead and back end, we enable pros to focus more on their craft, which is why they got into the industry in the first place. In the next year, we are racing toward our first $1 billion in job value generated for home services businesses via Topline Pro.”
The best iPad cases for 2023
Regardless of whether you’re using your iPad as a laptop replacement or giving it to your kid to distract them during a road trip, it’s a good idea to secure it with a case. Even if you treat your tech like gold, it’s impossible to predict all the hazards life will throw at you. But having a layer of protection in the form of a case can make it so your iPad has a better chance of emerging unscathed from those situations. Below are some of our top picks for the best iPad cases you can get right now at various price points, and providing different levels of protection.Otterbox Symmetry 360Otterbox is an expert when it comes to protection, as seen with their phone cases, but its Symmetry Series 360 series shows that it has design chops, too. Symmetry cases look similar to Apple’s Smart Cover, but the clear, scratch-resistant back is sturdy without adding a lot of weight to the iPad. Plus, the edge protection is substantial, so you won’t have to worry about damage from the inevitable, accidental bumps your tablet takes. The extra flap Otterbox added keeps the iPad screen cover closed and holds the second-generation Apple Pencil to the side of the iPad Pros. Symmetry Series 360 cases are available for most iPad models, and there’s a new offshoot of the lineup called Symmetry Folio, which includes a dedicated sleeve for your Apple Pencil on the front cover.ProCase iPad casesLook no further than ProCases’ iPad covers if you want a solid dupe for Apple’s own Smart Cover. ProCase has a lot of different designs, but its Thin Hard Protective Smart Folio will be a great option for anyone that just wants a bit of extra protection for their tablet. Plus, it helps that it’s available for all current iPad models and even a few old-school versions, too. A thin layer of hard plastic encases your iPad while the front flap magnetically closes over the screen to protect it. And for iPad models that support the second-generation Apple Pencil, the case leaves a cut out on the edge where the stylus can sit when you’re not using it. They may not be quite as substantial as Otterbox Symmetry cases, but ProCase’s accessories make up for that in price: you can pick one up for as low as $13, and we’ve seen some go on sale for even less than that.Otterbox Defender seriesIf you’re not messing around with your iPad, look no further than Otterbox’s Defender series of cases. The company has these rugged covers for tons of different devices, and Defender cases for iPads provide some of the best protection you could ask for. In addition to passing more than 24 shock, abrasion and drop tests, Defender cases have a built-in screen protector and covers for the single port on all of the latest iPad models. You can also detach the Shield Stand and use it to prop up your iPad for better viewing. It may be on the bulky side, especially compared to other cases on this list, but we think that’s a fair tradeoff for the extra protection.Apple Magic KeyboardIt’s hard to get much better than Apple’s own Magic Keyboard if you want a case that will turn your tablet into an acceptable laptop replacement. iPads magnetically attach to it, hovering above the keys and trackpad, while allowing you to angle it from 90 to 130 degrees to get the right viewing position. It feels surprisingly sturdy, and the keyboard itself is great to use for long periods of time. It doesn’t have the same stability a standard laptop would if you’re using it on your lap, but you won’t feel like your setup will collapse at any moment either. The glass trackpad is another standout — it’s wide enough for gestures and generally a breeze to use, even if it’s noticeably smaller than one you’d get on a full-sized MacBook.There are two major drawbacks to the Magic Keyboard: it doesn’t provide a ton of protection, and it’s expensive. The edges do not wrap around the iPad, so this is not the case to get if you’re particularly prone to dropping things. Also, the Magic Keyboard costs $300 to $350, depending on the size of your iPad. Without a doubt, it’s the most luxurious iPad case on this list, but those who want to make their iPad as functional as possible will get a lot of use out of it.Logitech Combo TouchLogitech is known for solid accessories, and the Combo Touch keyboard case is no exception. Think of it as a more versatile (and more affordable) alternative to the Magic Keyboard. The case wraps securely around your iPad and has a built-in kickstand that lets you adjust your viewing angle for whatever you’re doing, be it typing, watching videos, sketching or reading. The backlit keyboard is pretty spacious and includes a multi-touch trackpad for more precise on-screen control. There’s also a spot for your Apple Pencil, so it’ll be close at hand when you need to mark up a document or doodle an idea in Apple Notes. It’ll probably be harder to balance Logitech’s kit on your lap than the Magic Keyboard, but that’s a small price to pay for an otherwise stellar keyboard case. We also like that Logitech offers the Combo Touch in various sizes that fit the latest iPad, iPad Air and iPad Pro models.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/best-ipad-cases-to-protect-your-tablet-130033533.html?src=rss
Regardless of whether you’re using your iPad as a laptop replacement or giving it to your kid to distract them during a road trip, it’s a good idea to secure it with a case. Even if you treat your tech like gold, it’s impossible to predict all the hazards life will throw at you. But having a layer of protection in the form of a case can make it so your iPad has a better chance of emerging unscathed from those situations. Below are some of our top picks for the best iPad cases you can get right now at various price points, and providing different levels of protection.
Otterbox Symmetry 360
Otterbox is an expert when it comes to protection, as seen with their phone cases, but its Symmetry Series 360 series shows that it has design chops, too. Symmetry cases look similar to Apple’s Smart Cover, but the clear, scratch-resistant back is sturdy without adding a lot of weight to the iPad. Plus, the edge protection is substantial, so you won’t have to worry about damage from the inevitable, accidental bumps your tablet takes. The extra flap Otterbox added keeps the iPad screen cover closed and holds the second-generation Apple Pencil to the side of the iPad Pros. Symmetry Series 360 cases are available for most iPad models, and there’s a new offshoot of the lineup called Symmetry Folio, which includes a dedicated sleeve for your Apple Pencil on the front cover.
ProCase iPad cases
Look no further than ProCases’ iPad covers if you want a solid dupe for Apple’s own Smart Cover. ProCase has a lot of different designs, but its Thin Hard Protective Smart Folio will be a great option for anyone that just wants a bit of extra protection for their tablet. Plus, it helps that it’s available for all current iPad models and even a few old-school versions, too. A thin layer of hard plastic encases your iPad while the front flap magnetically closes over the screen to protect it. And for iPad models that support the second-generation Apple Pencil, the case leaves a cut out on the edge where the stylus can sit when you’re not using it. They may not be quite as substantial as Otterbox Symmetry cases, but ProCase’s accessories make up for that in price: you can pick one up for as low as $13, and we’ve seen some go on sale for even less than that.
Otterbox Defender series
If you’re not messing around with your iPad, look no further than Otterbox’s Defender series of cases. The company has these rugged covers for tons of different devices, and Defender cases for iPads provide some of the best protection you could ask for. In addition to passing more than 24 shock, abrasion and drop tests, Defender cases have a built-in screen protector and covers for the single port on all of the latest iPad models. You can also detach the Shield Stand and use it to prop up your iPad for better viewing. It may be on the bulky side, especially compared to other cases on this list, but we think that’s a fair tradeoff for the extra protection.
Apple Magic Keyboard
It’s hard to get much better than Apple’s own Magic Keyboard if you want a case that will turn your tablet into an acceptable laptop replacement. iPads magnetically attach to it, hovering above the keys and trackpad, while allowing you to angle it from 90 to 130 degrees to get the right viewing position. It feels surprisingly sturdy, and the keyboard itself is great to use for long periods of time. It doesn’t have the same stability a standard laptop would if you’re using it on your lap, but you won’t feel like your setup will collapse at any moment either. The glass trackpad is another standout — it’s wide enough for gestures and generally a breeze to use, even if it’s noticeably smaller than one you’d get on a full-sized MacBook.
There are two major drawbacks to the Magic Keyboard: it doesn’t provide a ton of protection, and it’s expensive. The edges do not wrap around the iPad, so this is not the case to get if you’re particularly prone to dropping things. Also, the Magic Keyboard costs $300 to $350, depending on the size of your iPad. Without a doubt, it’s the most luxurious iPad case on this list, but those who want to make their iPad as functional as possible will get a lot of use out of it.
Logitech Combo Touch
Logitech is known for solid accessories, and the Combo Touch keyboard case is no exception. Think of it as a more versatile (and more affordable) alternative to the Magic Keyboard. The case wraps securely around your iPad and has a built-in kickstand that lets you adjust your viewing angle for whatever you’re doing, be it typing, watching videos, sketching or reading. The backlit keyboard is pretty spacious and includes a multi-touch trackpad for more precise on-screen control. There’s also a spot for your Apple Pencil, so it’ll be close at hand when you need to mark up a document or doodle an idea in Apple Notes. It’ll probably be harder to balance Logitech’s kit on your lap than the Magic Keyboard, but that’s a small price to pay for an otherwise stellar keyboard case. We also like that Logitech offers the Combo Touch in various sizes that fit the latest iPad, iPad Air and iPad Pro models.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/best-ipad-cases-to-protect-your-tablet-130033533.html?src=rss
Twitter threatens to sue anti-hate group over its research
X Corp (aka Twitter) may take legal action against one of its more outspoken critics. The Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) says in a letter that X threatened a lawsuit against the anti-hate group on July 20th for allegedly making “false or misleading” claims against the social media giant and trying to scare advertisers. The Center published a research article in June asserting that X allowed explicitly racist and homophobic posts despite policies to the contrary, even days after they’d been reported.X accused CCDH of using poor methodology, and not studying the 500 million posts on the service each day. It also maintained that the Center was taking funding from competitors or foreign governments as part of an “ulterior agenda,” according to The New York Times. CCDH rejects the allegations. It notes that it never claimed to be conducting a comprehensive study, and points to its documented methodology. It adds that X never said just what was inaccurate, and that it doesn’t accept any funding from companies or governments.The researchers further maintain that X is being hypocritical for attacking supposedly limited research while simultaneously curbing the ability to conduct those studies. The platform recently instituted reading rate limits in what it says is a temporary measure to thwart excessive data scraping. The company believes some scrapers are abusing their tools to train AI models and conduct manipulation campaigns. Even Blue subscribers are capped at viewing 8,000 posts per day, making it impractical to conduct extensive research.X has disbanded its communications team and isn’t available for comment. CCDH says it “will not be bullied” and will continue publishing its research. It also intends to post the original letter, and believes a lawsuit with “frivolous” claims could prove risky.Reports indicate that X’s ad sales have plunged by half since Musk bought the company last year. The executive pinned the exodus on European and North American marketers trying to deliberately bankrupt the firm, but employees talking to the NYT maintained that advertisers were balking at the surges in hate speech and porn after Musk’s acquisition. Brands like GM and Volkswagen have frozen ad spending on X, while others are believed to have scaled back their efforts.X has been threatening legal action against others in recent weeks. It accused Microsoft of violating data use policy, and threatened to sue Meta for purportedly duping key features with Threads. The tech giant has also sued a law firm for supposedly taking excess funds during the previous management’s handover to Musk.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/twitter-threatens-to-sue-anti-hate-group-over-its-research-125645342.html?src=rss
X Corp (aka Twitter) may take legal action against one of its more outspoken critics. The Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) says in a letter that X threatened a lawsuit against the anti-hate group on July 20th for allegedly making “false or misleading” claims against the social media giant and trying to scare advertisers. The Center published a research article in June asserting that X allowed explicitly racist and homophobic posts despite policies to the contrary, even days after they’d been reported.
X accused CCDH of using poor methodology, and not studying the 500 million posts on the service each day. It also maintained that the Center was taking funding from competitors or foreign governments as part of an “ulterior agenda,” according to The New York Times. CCDH rejects the allegations. It notes that it never claimed to be conducting a comprehensive study, and points to its documented methodology. It adds that X never said just what was inaccurate, and that it doesn’t accept any funding from companies or governments.
The researchers further maintain that X is being hypocritical for attacking supposedly limited research while simultaneously curbing the ability to conduct those studies. The platform recently instituted reading rate limits in what it says is a temporary measure to thwart excessive data scraping. The company believes some scrapers are abusing their tools to train AI models and conduct manipulation campaigns. Even Blue subscribers are capped at viewing 8,000 posts per day, making it impractical to conduct extensive research.
X has disbanded its communications team and isn’t available for comment. CCDH says it “will not be bullied” and will continue publishing its research. It also intends to post the original letter, and believes a lawsuit with “frivolous” claims could prove risky.
Reports indicate that X’s ad sales have plunged by half since Musk bought the company last year. The executive pinned the exodus on European and North American marketers trying to deliberately bankrupt the firm, but employees talking to the NYT maintained that advertisers were balking at the surges in hate speech and porn after Musk’s acquisition. Brands like GM and Volkswagen have frozen ad spending on X, while others are believed to have scaled back their efforts.
X has been threatening legal action against others in recent weeks. It accused Microsoft of violating data use policy, and threatened to sue Meta for purportedly duping key features with Threads. The tech giant has also sued a law firm for supposedly taking excess funds during the previous management’s handover to Musk.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/twitter-threatens-to-sue-anti-hate-group-over-its-research-125645342.html?src=rss