Not to be outdone by Apple, Google is releasing a satellite-based "SOS" feature for Pixel 9 phones, allowing customers to contact emergency services in cellular dead zones. https://www.pcmag.com/news/googles-pixel-9-phones-get-their-own-satellite-sos-feature 

 Proton, best known for its encrypted email service, will now let Proton VPN users on Android disguise the app's icon to further protect their privacy. https://www.pcmag.com/news/proton-lets-users-disguise-vpn-icon-launches-servers-to-evade-censorship 

 After hitting pause on new hires, Tesla is hiring for a slew of AI-related positions, most of which offer six-figure salaries up to $360,000 plus benefits. https://www.pcmag.com/news/following-mass-layoffs-tesla-advertises-ai-engineer-roles-with-360k-salary 

 Democratic consultant Steve Kramer faces a $6 million FCC fine and a host of felony charges for allegedly orchestrating an AI deepfake of Biden's voice and spoofing caller IDs. https://www.pcmag.com/news/man-faces-26-criminal-charges-for-paying-a-magician-to-make-biden-robocalls 

 A Morocco-based hacking group is breaching companies in order to print out high-value gift cards and sell them on the black market, Microsoft says. https://www.pcmag.com/news/hacking-group-targets-merchants-to-print-out-and-sell-gift-card-codes 

 Nintendo will reveal the new Switch console before the end of March 2025. If you can't wait, check out all the known rumors and leaks about the upcoming system. https://www.pcmag.com/news/nintendo-switch-2-everything-you-need-to-know 

 Employers will sometimes simulate phishing messages to train workers on how to spot the hacking threat. But one Google security manager argues the IT industry needs to drop the practice, calling it counterproductive.  https://www.pcmag.com/news/google-stop-trying-to-trick-employees-with-fake-phishing-emails 

 After news of OpenAI's non-disparagement agreements went public, the company ditches them for most staff, meaning those who leave can now criticize OpenAI without losing vested equity. https://www.pcmag.com/news/openai-switches-course-wont-punish-employees-for-speaking-out 

 Passkeys are currently the authentication tool of choice for security pros, but any type of account protection is better than nothing, says Trend Micro VP of Strategy Eric Skinner. Yes, even SMS-based multi-factor authentication (MFA). https://www.pcmag.com/news/not-ready-for-passkeys-multi-factor-authentication-is-still-better-than 

 Can’t send any messages on WhatsApp? You aren’t alone. The Meta-owned app appears to be going through a major outage. https://www.pcmag.com/news/whatsapp-outage-prevents-users-from-sending-receiving-messages 

 The Tesla Cybertruck stands out among electric pickups for its unique design and surprisingly nimble on-road performance. But in terms of flaws, it has big blind spots and the stainless steel exterior is prone to smudges. Here's our review: https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/tesla-cybertruck 

 A Microsoft scientist finds a way to get GPT-4 to play Doom, and finds the AI often gets stuck in corners and ignores enemies. He also warns that the blunders could allow for 'potential misuse' in more serious applications. https://www.pcmag.com/news/openais-gpt-4-can-play-doom-but-only-like-a-noob 

 Cognition Labs is a new startup whose Devin AI promises to code autonomously and complete software engineering tasks on sites like Upwork. https://www.pcmag.com/news/this-software-engineer-ai-can-train-other-ais-code-websites-by-itself 

 Slow charging remains one of the biggest barriers to EV adoption, but Volvo says its future electric vehicles will charge 15% to 30% faster with the help of a new "adaptive charging" battery management system. https://www.pcmag.com/news/volvo-evs-could-charge-30-faster-with-no-changes-to-the-battery-itself 

 Tax season is upon us, and if you live in one of 12 states, you can bypass traditional tax software and use the IRS' new direct-file system. https://www.pcmag.com/news/irs-direct-file-free-online-tax-tool-goes-live-in-12-states 

 Lenovo has quietly developed a six-legged robot called the Daystar Bot GS set to launch sometime this year that promises "comprehensive data collection." https://www.pcmag.com/news/lenovo-creates-six-legged-daystar-gs-robot 

 In the EU, developers will be able to distribute iOS apps on their own websites, as long as they follow Apple's strict rules and controversial payment structure. https://www.pcmag.com/news/apple-to-allow-ios-app-downloads-from-third-party-websites-with-restrictions 

 Want to make Cristiano Ronaldo look like a cyberpunk character? Midjourney's AI will now try to keep people's faces similar across images. https://www.pcmag.com/news/midjourney-ai-character-reference-feature 

 Motorola gave its $299.99 Moto G Power 5G and $199.99 Moto G 5G only minor upgrades year over year. Here we check them out: https://www.pcmag.com/news/motorola-refreshes-its-moto-g-power-5g-and-moto-g-5g-for-2024 

 Microsoft is now blocking terms that caused its AI tool, Microsoft Copilot Designer, to create violent and sexual images. https://www.pcmag.com/news/microsoft-starts-blocking-some-terms-that-caused-its-ai-to-create-inappropriate 

 It spans 1,860 miles, connects three cities, and offers a bandwidth of 1.2 terabits per second. https://www.pcmag.com/news/china-claims-worlds-first-ultra-high-speed-internet-connection 

 With a signature steering wheel, blistering fast accelerating, and 100kWh battery pack, the Frauscher x Porsche 850 Fantom Air is the ultimate 2024 water toy. https://www.pcmag.com/news/this-593k-electric-boat-runs-on-porsche-ev-battery-tech 

 Apple's iPhone 15 Plus offers an affordable balance of longevity, performance, and size, making it a good alternative to the top-dollar Pro Max. Here's our review: https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/apple-iphone-15-plus 

 New data from the US Census Bureau reveals the states and demographics most likely to work remotely. https://www.pcmag.com/news/work-from-home-hotspots-these-us-states-have-the-most-remote-employees 

 Instead of requiring EV buyers to request the credit when filing annual tax returns, a new dealer-based process issues the funds at the point of sale starting Jan. 1, 2024. https://www.pcmag.com/news/you-can-now-get-7500-in-ev-tax-credits-at-the-dealer-no-need-to-wait 

 With GPT-4V, the chatbot can now read and respond to questions about images, opening up a range of new capabilities. Here's how AI enthusiasts are using it so far. https://www.pcmag.com/explainers/what-is-chatgpt-vision-gpt-4v 

 You expect free Wi-Fi in a short-term rental, but using it can harm you and the people sharing the connection. We tell you how to stay safe when you're on the road. https://www.pcmag.com/news/having-a-one-network-stand-in-a-short-term-rental-use-protection 

 Customers are pointing out the lack of two-factor authentication over Starlink makes it easier for hackers to break into their accounts. https://www.pcmag.com/news/account-hacking-over-starlink-sparks-calls-for-two-factor-authentication 

 Android 14 enhances the excellent tools introduced in Android 12 and 13 to make Google's mobile OS a richer, more customizable smartphone experience. Here's our review: https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/google-android-14 

 When your VPN crashes, a kill switch shuts off your online traffic to protect your privacy—but only if you activate it ahead of time. We explain how this works and how to make sure your kill switch is turned on. https://www.pcmag.com/explainers/what-is-a-vpn-kill-switch-and-how-does-it-work 

 Elon Musk is indicating you'll need to tap a tweet in order to see the retweet and like buttons. 'This will greatly improve readability,' he says. https://www.pcmag.com/news/after-axing-headlines-elon-musk-to-hide-retweet-like-buttons-on-twitter 

 6,791 employees and former employees of Sony have had their personal details stolen. https://www.pcmag.com/news/thousands-of-sony-employees-impacted-by-data-breach 

 MGM Resorts International also says the hackers stole some customer information, including phone numbers, dates of birth and driver's license numbers. https://www.pcmag.com/news/last-months-cyberattack-at-mgm-resorts-to-cost-company-100-million 

 The next few years could bring about a rail revolution, says Amtrak's Andy Byford, provided Americans can get over their car obsession and the feds allocate enough money for the job. https://www.pcmag.com/articles/inside-amtraks-push-to-bring-japanese-style-high-speed-rail-to-the-us 

 Evidence has appeared that Microsoft is considering releasing Windows 12 as a subscription service. https://www.pcmag.com/news/windows-12-may-require-a-subscription 

 The hacker claims to have obtained data from at least 7 million 23andMe users, but the DNA company has no evidence of a breach, suggesting the issue is someone using leaked credentials. https://www.pcmag.com/news/23andme-warns-of-hacker-breaking-into-user-accounts 

 It's no joke. Ring has launched a contest that’ll award $1 million to a US customer if they can submit video taken from a Ring camera that shows evidence of real alien life. https://www.pcmag.com/news/ring-will-give-you-1-million-if-you-record-an-alien-with-one-of-its-cameras 

 Why rely on public hotspots when you can bring a personal Wi-Fi network with you wherever you go? Here's what you need to know to choose the right mobile hotspot, along with the top models for each major US carrier. https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-mobile-hotspots 

 Wish it was easy to take your big-screen desktop different places around the house? The Envy Move brings back an idea from a decade ago: a portable all-in-one PC with a built-in battery. https://www.pcmag.com/news/hands-on-the-hp-envy-move-resurrects-the-windows-aio-desktop-to-go 

 The upcoming sets, first teased in August, will feature popular characters like Tom Nook, Isabelle, and Kapp'n along with villagers like Rosie and Bunnie. https://www.pcmag.com/news/nintendo-offers-first-look-at-animal-crossing-lego-collaboration 

 Scammers step up their game during big online shopping events like Amazon's Prime Big Deals Days, but you can keep yourself safe with just a few simple steps. https://www.pcmag.com/news/watch-out-for-these-scams-on-amazon-prime-day 

 Elon Musk says stripping context from shared links improves the site's aesthetics and aims to improve the length of time people spend on X, but it may only fuel more misinformation. https://www.pcmag.com/news/elon-musk-to-headline-writers-drop-dead 

 The FBI may have dealt a blow to the ransomware scourge with August’s takedown of Qakbot, a notorious botnet. But it looks like the hackers behind the botnet are still a threat. https://www.pcmag.com/news/notorious-qakbot-botnet-threat-continues-despite-fbi-takedown 

 It’s taking longer than expected, but SpaceX CEO Elon Musk is hoping 2024 will be the year the company finally launches Starlink satellites using the Starship craft.  https://www.pcmag.com/news/elon-musk-projects-starship-to-deploy-v3-starlink-satellites-next-year 

 In the coming months, Google will roll out an updated version of Assistant with new generative AI capabilities from Bard. https://www.pcmag.com/news/google-assistant-is-getting-a-bard-generative-ai-upgrade 

 Moving, modifying, or deleting any object in a photo only requires a mouse click. https://www.pcmag.com/news/adobe-teases-project-stardust-ai-photo-editing-engine 

 When a game requires 121GB of storage space, you're going to need a couple of PS5 discs.
https://www.pcmag.com/news/first-ps5-game-to-ship-on-2-discs-launches-tomorrow 

 We spent some time at the company's Manhattan showroom to see and hear the pricey Beolab 8 speakers for ourselves. Should you start saving up for a pair now? https://www.pcmag.com/articles/first-listen-do-bang-olufsens-beolab-8-speakers-sound-5500-good 

 Google and Samsung are the two big names to consider when shopping for an Android smartwatch. We compare specs for the upcoming Pixel Watch 2 with the Galaxy Watch 6 to see how they stack up on paper. https://www.pcmag.com/news/google-pixel-watch-2-vs-samsung-galaxy-watch-6-the-best-android-wearable 

 If you're looking to upgrade to Google's latest flagship phone, here's how to pre-order and save from the major carriers, big box retailers, and Google itself. https://www.pcmag.com/news/google-pixel-8-pro-how-to-preorder-get-best-deal 

 Preply analyzed the language of dozens of prominent tech CEOs to measure their intelligence, and the results aren't what you might expect. https://www.pcmag.com/news/speech-analysis-suggests-mark-zuckerberg-is-smarter-than-elon-musk 

 The newest smartphones from Google and Samsung perform better at most tasks than many competing devices and offer a lot of cool features, too. Here's what sets them apart. https://www.pcmag.com/news/google-pixel-8-vs-samsung-galaxy-s23-android-flagships-battle-it-out 

 The move could pressure other Android vendors to do the same, assuming Google follows through. But how many people will keep their Pixel phones around for seven years? https://www.pcmag.com/news/pixel-8-pixel-8-pro-to-receive-android-updates-until-2030 

 In the wake of a password-sharing crackdown, Netflix falls two spots on Whip Media's user satisfaction survey. Max comes in at number one. https://www.pcmag.com/news/netflix-user-satisfaction-score-tanks-heres-who-came-out-on-top 

 The R1S SUV also gets a 400-mile range with the Max Pack, the highest in the 7-seat segment. For some drivers, the $16,000 upgrade could be worth the extra mileage. https://www.pcmag.com/news/rivian-r1t-now-the-highest-range-ev-pickup-with-410-mile-max-pack-battery 

 There's a brand new smartwatch from Google and though it looks similar to the original, the Pixel Watch 2 has a lot more Fitbit DNA than before to help you kick your fitness routines up a notch. https://www.pcmag.com/news/pixel-watch-2-hands-on-with-googles-fitbit-infused-smartwatch 

 Lomo is launching its latest throwback art series lens on Kickstarter, and we've got first impressions to share so you can decide if it's worth it to get one. https://www.pcmag.com/news/hands-on-lomographys-throwback-nour-triplet-v-bokeh-control-lens 

 We should see new Pixel phones from Google today, but you don't have to wait until then to find out about the fresh hardware. Here is everything we think we know about the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro. https://www.pcmag.com/news/google-pixel-8-and-8-pro-what-to-expect 

 MSI's collaboration with Mercedes-AMG Motorsport on a flashy limited-edition gaming laptop was one of the stars of Computex 2023. We got a chance to unpack this high-powered, high-style speed machine. https://www.pcmag.com/articles/unboxing-msi-stealth-16-mercedes-amg-motorsport-laptop 

 An intriguing new Model Y variant was just released, but rather than talk up the new EV, CEO Elon Musk has spent much of the week trying to undermine the mainstream media. https://www.pcmag.com/opinions/tesla-model-y-is-now-cheaper-than-ever-elon-focused-on-taunting-press 

 No, Elon Musk is not suing himself. Another company known as X Social Media is going after Musk's X for trademark infringement. https://www.pcmag.com/news/x-sues-x-over-name-elon-musk-twitter 

 Landing gear is usually found on planes or Mars rovers. But now you can get it on a TV. https://www.pcmag.com/news/concerned-about-your-tv-falling-off-the-wall-this-set-comes-with-landing 

 The Microsoft CEO also threw some fuel onto the fire by stating that Google wouldn't be in its current position if Microsoft hadn't lost its own antitrust battle back in the late 1990s. https://www.pcmag.com/news/microsoft-ceo-satya-nadella-has-a-few-thoughts-about-google-search 

 It's twice as fast as Samsung's previous external SSD. https://www.pcmag.com/news/samsungs-portable-ssd-t9-can-transfer-a-4gb-file-in-2-seconds 

 After being hit by a car driven by a human, the woman fell into the path of an oncoming Cruise driverless vehicle, which accidentally drove over her. https://www.pcmag.com/news/cruise-robotaxi-runs-over-woman-thrown-into-its-path 

 The fifth variant for the EV sits in the middle of the four existing options with a combination of tech, features, and range at a price Ford thinks will reach a new set of customers. https://www.pcmag.com/news/ford-debuts-tech-forward-f-150-lightning-flash-trim-with-320-mile-range 

 Microsoft boosted the base price of its Surface Laptop Go 3, but it hasn't improved enough about the machine to justify the hike. Here's our review: https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/microsoft-surface-laptop-go-3 

 The YouTube star warns about a fake ad circulating on TikTok that uses MrBeast's likeness to manipulate users into clicking a link for an iPhone 15 Pro giveaway. https://www.pcmag.com/news/mrbeast-dont-fall-for-that-deepfake-video-of-me-offering-free-iphones 

 The popular RPG's groundbreaking sex scenes are a stark departure from the video game industry's often immature and embarrassing takes on sexuality. https://www.pcmag.com/opinions/inclusive-provocativeand-downright-horny-baldurs-gate-3-gets-sex-right 

 The first-generation Apple Watch released in 2015 is now classed as obsolete by Apple. https://www.pcmag.com/news/the-original-apple-watch-is-obsolete 

 Microsoft's Surface Laptop Studio 2 significantly ramps up the performance with modern parts and dedicated AI processing—all while maintaining the unique pull-forward touch-screen design. Here's our review: https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/microsoft-surface-laptop-studio-2 

 Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa says Switch games will continue to be released until March 2025. https://www.pcmag.com/news/nintendo-to-release-switch-games-until-march-2025 

 The iPhone 15 is the most sensible pick in Apple's lineup, delivering good everyday performance and all of the features you expect for a reasonable price. Here's our review: https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/apple-iphone-15 

 The FCC fines Dish Network for failing to properly deorbit one of it satellites, marking the US regulator's first 'space debris enforcement.' https://www.pcmag.com/news/fcc-issues-first-ever-space-debris-fine-over-low-flying-satellite 

 Discussions didn't get very far, but Apple met with Microsoft execs in 2020 to talk about acquiring Microsoft's Bing search business and using it to replace Google Search on iPhones. https://www.pcmag.com/news/microsoft-reportedly-tried-to-convince-apple-to-buy-bing 

 The waitlist for Starlink in the US disappears after the company deploys new satellites with four times the capacity as the first-generation tech. https://www.pcmag.com/news/spacexs-starlink-adds-enough-capacity-to-lift-waitlist-for-us 

 The class-action suit comes after a Congressional report found that tax prep companies, including H&R Block, shared data with the tech giants via online-advertising tools. https://www.pcmag.com/news/class-action-suit-goes-after-hr-block-google-meta-for-alleged-tax-data 

 The Ai Pin is from Humane, a startup founded by former Apple execs. A full reveal is expected on Nov. 9, but Paris Fashion Week attendees got a sneak peek. https://www.pcmag.com/news/ai-but-make-it-fashion-models-at-coperni-show-sport-ai-projector-pin 

 Things could get loud around 2:20 p.m. ET on Oct. 4 as FEMA tests Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) and the Emergency Alert System (EAS) on phones, TVs, and radio. https://www.pcmag.com/news/get-ready-national-emergency-alert-system-test-set-for-oct-4 

 The first generative AI built into an operating system is here. We take Microsoft Copilot out for a spin. https://www.pcmag.com/news/hands-on-with-microsoft-copilot-in-windows-11-your-latest-ai-assistant 

 Samsung's Odyssey Neo G9 is a gorgeous 57-inch widescreen mega-monitor sure to dazzle deep-pocketed gamers looking to maximize immersion. Just know: Only a bleeding-edge gaming PC with specific outputs can maximize its high-refresh-rate potential. Here's our review: https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/samsung-odyssey-neo-g9 

 Don't wirelessly charge your iPhone 15 in a BMW until this problem has been resolved.
https://www.pcmag.com/news/bmw-wireless-charging-pads-are-damaging-the-iphone-15 

 Amazon sent out unsolicited mass emails about gift card purchases, causing some to wonder if it was a phishing scam or a sign they'd been hacked. https://www.pcmag.com/news/did-you-get-emails-from-amazon-about-gift-cards-its-a-mistake-not-a-scam 

 Although the price ceiling on EVs is coming down, the floor is coming up, in part because of expensive next-gen batteries that are required to produce desired range.  https://www.pcmag.com/opinions/looking-for-an-ev-under-35k-good-luck-no-one-is-making-them-anymore 

 With a new class of Chromebook Plus computers, Google's operating system get features that bring it closer to macOS and Windows. https://www.pcmag.com/news/google-powers-up-chromeos-with-chromebook-plus-features 

 Tom Hanks is warning everyone on the internet that he is not trying to sell you a dental plan, but an AI version of him is. https://www.pcmag.com/news/unauthorized-tom-hanks-ai-is-promoting-dental-plans 

 The Chromebook Plus initiative defines minimum hardware specs, paired with the ChromeOS UI and AI enhancements, for Chromebooks to guarantee a quality experience. https://www.pcmag.com/news/meet-the-chromebook-plus-line-google-and-partners-unveil-8-leveled-up-laptops 

 There are actually two QR codes printed on every iPhone screen.
https://www.pcmag.com/news/your-iphone-display-is-hiding-a-secret-qr-code 

 The Amazon prototype satellites are scheduled to fly on Oct. 6 on a United Launch Alliance rocket. https://www.pcmag.com/news/amazons-test-satellites-for-project-kuiper-set-to-finally-launch-next-week 

 Super-size, extra-wide monitors for productivity work, pro media editing, and gaming are transforming the desktop experience. Ready to go (really) big? Check out the top-performing sprawling displays we've tested. https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-ultrawide-monitors 

 Fitbit's Charge 6 fitness tracker, a new version of its most popular product, looks almost exactly like its predecessor but promises a major improvement in terms of heart rate tracking accuracy. https://www.pcmag.com/news/fitbit-charge-6-fitness-tracker-promises-improved-heart-rate-accuracy 

 The Cherry MX 3.0S Wireless is a rarity: a low-latency wireless mechanical keyboard with RGB. A mediocre lighting implementation, lackluster software, and lofty pricing keep it from flying high, though. Here's our review: https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/cherry-mx-30s-wireless 

 Hackers trying to get access to WormGPT, the ChatGPT alternative with 'no ethical boundaries or limitations,' are getting scammed themselves. https://www.pcmag.com/news/hackers-exploit-interest-in-criminal-version-of-chatgpt-to-scam-other-crooks 

 Google's high-tech Jamboard digital whiteboard will shut down in late 2024, joining the company's ever-growing graveyard of killed products. https://www.pcmag.com/news/google-will-kill-its-5000-jamboard 

 Sea of Stars is a vibrant, beautiful RPG that's packed with gameplay conventions from yesteryear, but it has enough flair to stand out from its inspirations. Here's our review: https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/sea-of-stars 

 Google previously limited its Search Engine Experience (SGE) to people 18 and over. But now the company will open it up to those who are 13 to 17. https://www.pcmag.com/news/google-expands-its-ai-powered-search-generative-experience-to-teens 

 Xbox Series S owners now have the option of a "Designed for Xbox" portable screen, which attaches directly to the console. https://www.pcmag.com/news/xscreen-is-now-an-officially-licensed-portable-display-for-xbox-series 

 French authorities seem to be investigating whether Nvidia might use its growing dominance in the AI market to deny smaller companies access to its chips. https://www.pcmag.com/news/amid-ai-boom-nvidias-offices-in-france-raided-by-antitrust-officials 

 The Australian branch of Reset.Tech, an Internet digital policy activist group, says Twitter removed an option to report electoral misinformation 'in the last week or two.' https://www.pcmag.com/news/twitter-axes-election-misinformation-reporting-tool 

 Peloton and Lululemon have stopped fighting and will now work together on fitness content and apparel in a deal that spells the end for the $1,500 Mirror Studio device. https://www.pcmag.com/news/lululemon-throws-in-the-towel-on-mirror-fitness-device-partners-with-peloton 

 The unusual combination of features on the Cherry MX 8.2 TKL Wireless doesn't quite coalesce into a compelling keyboard. If you can live without either 2.4GHz wireless or per-key RGB lighting, you can do better for less. Here's our review: https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/cherry-mx-82-tkl-wireless 

 The average smartphone is unlikely to explode, but it happens. There's not much you can do if shoddy hardware is to blame, but these tips may help prevent your phone from going up in smoke. https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/why-phones-explode-and-how-to-prevent-it-from-happening-to-you