Here's what's making news today in tech — picked from the 10 sources I trust, translated for normal humans.
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New MacBook Pro and Refreshed iMacs Likely Coming in October
Apple is expected to release a new 14-inch MacBook Pro with its M6 chip this October, based on reporting from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Higher-end MacBook Pro models with OLED screens may follow later this year or into early 2027. For Portage County: No need to buy a Mac right now; if you've been thinking about one, waiting until after October could get you a newer machine for the same price.
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X replaces its revenue-sharing program with ‘Original Content Rewards’
X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, is ending its current program that paid creators for popular posts and replacing it with a new program called Original Content Rewards starting September 8th. To qualify, creators need at least 500 verified followers and 500,000 impressions from verified users. For Portage County: If you or a family member posts on X hoping to earn money, check the new rules carefully before September 8th, since the requirements have changed.
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Apple Dropped Plan to Ship Leased iPhones Already Set Up for Users
Apple launched a new leasing program called Apple Upgrade in late July, letting customers rent an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch instead of buying one outright. A plan to pre-load each replacement device with the customer's data was considered but never launched. For Portage County: If you're thinking about leasing an Apple device, know that setup is still your responsibility, so ask Bill for help transferring your data when your lease renews.
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49ers coach says his Tesla was on Autopilot when he crashed
San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan recently confirmed his Tesla's Autopilot was engaged when he was involved in a crash near Palo Alto. He had previously said only that the accident was his fault. For Portage County: This is a good reminder that Tesla's Autopilot is a driver-assist feature, not self-driving, and the driver is still responsible for watching the road at all times.
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The FCC wants to ban drones with LiDAR that it previously approved
The FCC is now proposing to ban LiDAR-equipped DJI drones, reversing approvals it had previously granted. For Portage County: If you or a family member recently bought or is considering buying a DJI drone with LiDAR, hold off on that purchase until the FCC makes a final decision.
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OpenAI's Next AI Model Astra Shows Cyber Performance Strong Enough to Trigger Pause
OpenAI paused some internal work on its upcoming AI model called Astra after testing showed it had become surprisingly capable at hacking-related tasks. The company said it is putting new security controls in place before moving forward. For Portage County: You don't need to do anything right now, but this is a good reminder that AI tools are getting more powerful fast, and it's worth being cautious about any AI service that asks for access to your accounts or files.
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Disney Agreed to Pay $50 Million to Streaming Subscribers. Here’s How to Claim Your Share
Disney has agreed to pay $50 million to settle a lawsuit claiming it charged streaming subscribers too much for live TV packages. If you were a Disney live TV streaming subscriber during the affected period, you may be owed a share. For Portage County: Visit the official settlement website to check if you qualify and file a claim before the deadline.
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Space Agencies Are Trying to Keep Astronauts From Losing Their Sight
Space agencies are testing an eye-exam device, currently used to help people in their 80s check their own vision at home, as a way to monitor astronauts' eyesight during long missions. The device could catch vision problems that are common in space travel. For Portage County: This is a feel-good story showing that technology built for older adults is now considered good enough for astronauts.
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The No-Cost Guide to Clearing Out Every Old Computer and Printer in Your Home
Old computers and printers can be dropped off for free recycling at several locations, and the process is much easier than most people expect. Getting rid of them properly keeps personal data out of the wrong hands and keeps electronics out of the landfill. For Portage County: Before you drop off any old computer, ask Bill to wipe the hard drive first so your personal information doesn't go with it.
This digest is auto-generated daily at 6 AM ET from leading tech news sources.
Notice something off? Reply or text Bill at (330) 200-8042.
— Bill's Home Tech, Atwater, OH