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- The Weekly Download #29: New giveaway, RIP TikTok?
The Weekly Download #29: New giveaway, RIP TikTok?
Extreme Jerry Seinfield voice: What's the deal with email?
Kevin Raposo
March 17, 2024 • Reading Time: 11 minutes
Welcome to KnowTechie’s Weekly Download. We know life gets busy, so we've compiled the most important tech stories you might have missed this week. So grab a coffee, and let’s get started! If this email was forwarded to you, click here to subscribe to the newsletter. Missed an issue? Here's an archive of past newsletters.
Here’s what you can expect from today’s newsletter
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New Giveaway
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⏪︎ Today in Tech 📅
🌎 The World Wide Web project was launched by Tim Berners-Lee, marking the beginning of the information superhighway.
Man, I wish we still called it that.
📰 Headlines
The self-proclaimed "land of the free" is trying to ban an app that millions of people use and enjoy, all under the guise of national security.
🇺🇸 The U.S. House of Representatives has approved a bill to potentially outlaw TikTok due to national security worries.
🗂️ The bill puts ByteDance in a position where it must sell TikTok or risk a U.S. ban.
🏛️. The Senate and President Biden play a key role in the final decision, adding layers to the issue.
Airbnb enforces a global ban on indoor security cameras to uphold trust and privacy within its community.
🔒 Airbnb has introduced a global prohibition on indoor security cameras in listings and hosts have until April 30 to comply or face potential removal from the platform.
🔑 The policy has been developed with guests, hosts, and privacy experts to enhance clarity and trust within the Airbnb community.
🔔 While indoor cameras are now banned, outdoor security cameras such as doorbell cameras remain permissible, provided their presence and location are disclosed to guests before booking.
In response to an upheld age-verification law, Pornhub and associated websites have disabled access in Texas while critiquing the law's effectiveness and impact on user rights.
🔓 Pornhub, and related adult sites operated by Aylo, have disabled users' access in Texas due to compliance with a newly upheld age-verification law.
⚖️ The law requires pornographic websites to verify users are above 18, but the sites argue that it's ineffective and infringes on rights, with a message explaining their stance and decision to disable access.
🌍 The restrictions extend to seven other U.S. states with similar laws as the company continues challenging the legality and efficacy of such legislation.
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📰 Headlines probably open in some tab somewhere
We get it; we’ve all been there. Here are some of the stories you probably missed out on because Tim from accounting can’t stop gushing about his imaginary girlfriend who lives in Montana.
Google's latest actions on their chatbot restrictions might be less about combating misinformation and more about controlling narratives.
Apple's attempt to comply with the EU's DMA seems more about preserving its own interests than fostering genuine competition.
Personally speaking here, I believe that having a body of government dedicated to regulating AI is needed, but why stop there? Why not regulate tech as a whole?
Neil Young pulled his music from Spotify because, at the time, they hosted the Joe Rogan podcast. Now, all of the major streaming platforms host the podcast. Young probably realized he chose poorly.
I haven’t tried this out myself, but on paper this sounds amazing. You can have it code websites, apps, and whatever else you throw its way.
💾 Quick Tip 💾
How to use AirPods with your PS5 or PS4
The PS5, PS4, and PS3 do not natively support AirPods. To use AirPods on PS5, you must either use your TV’s built-in Bluetooth or buy a USB Bluetooth transmitter.
The only Bluetooth earbuds compatible with PS5 are specific Sony earbuds like the INZONE Buds.
If you don’t have $200 to drop on INZONE Buds, hjere’s how to pair AirPods to your TV:
Make sure your TV’s Bluetooth is turned on.
Put your AirPods into pairing mode by holding down the white button on the case until the light flashes (make sure the AirPods are in the case and the case is open).
Select your AirPods from the list of Bluetooth devices on your TV.
If needed, switch your TV’s audio output to Bluetooth.
Launch a game on your PS5 to test if the audio is coming through your AirPods.
That’s it! For a more detailed walk-through, check out the full guide: How to use AirPods on PS5, PS4, or PS3
🤖 Tools
⭕️ IRS Direct File - File your federal taxes directly with the IRS — for free.
💻 Wondercraft - this is essentially Canva for your audio projects.
🔎 OSO A: OSO is a censorship-free AI Search Engine that scans the entire internet using advanced AI to find and summarize relevant information.
🌎 Realm App — Converts idle browser homepage into quick-access dashboard
📣 MurfAI - This tool has been around a while, but they now have a Canva app that lets you use some of the best AI-generated voices in your designs.
🤖 MyAskAI: AI customer support chatbot, available 24/7 to give instant answers to your customers on your site or over email, all trained on your company's knowledge
SPONSORED TOOLS
💻 TypingMind: Imagine ChatGPT, but it's 30X better. Starting at as low as a $50 one-time fee, TypingMind is an absolute powerhouse. There’s too much to explain here, so we suggest checking it out here.
👨💻 FigJamAi acts like a digital whiteboard that lets you and your team brainstorm and sketch out ideas together in realtime.
📕 ChatWith - A chatbot builder that lets you train bots on your files and websites to respond to customer queries 24/7.
💸 Deals
$1,000 Hardon Kardon soundbar now $77% off. Get it now for $229
⏰ Trivia Time
What new technology standard, promising faster wireless speeds, was finalized and began rolling out in consumer devices in 2020? |
⏪ Last Week’s Trivia’s Question:
Question: What is the name of the app developed by Google that can measure the distance between objects using your smartphone's camera?
🟨🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️ LinkLogic (26)
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 Backrub (49)
⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Webfinder (12)
🟨🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️ SearchMaster (15)
Correct Answer: Backrub
Alright folks, this is where I wrap it up. As always, my door is always open. Reply to this email and say hi. Always happy to talk shop.
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