Here's what's making news today in tech — picked from the 10 sources I trust, translated for normal humans.
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ChatGPT can do more for you than ever — and I use these 5 prompts to take everyday tasks off my plate
ChatGPT, the free AI chat tool from OpenAI, can now handle a wider range of everyday tasks if you give it the right instructions, like drafting emails, summarizing documents, or planning a to-do list. You type a question or request in plain English and it responds like a helpful assistant. For Portage County: If you want to try it, go to chat.openai.com on your phone or computer and type something simple like, "Write a thank-you note for my neighbor who watched my dog."
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Hackers Breach Polish Power Plant Controls via Private Cellular Network and Shut Turbine
Hackers broke into the computer controls of a Polish power plant through its private cell network and shut down a steam turbine, cutting heat to about 50,000 homes. Plant workers began recovering the system the same morning while the attackers were still inside the network, and customers did not lose heat. For Portage County: This is a reminder that critical systems like heat and water can be targeted by hackers, so if you ever lose utilities unexpectedly, check local news before assuming it is a routine outage.
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Bluesky Now Lets You Hide Reposts From Specific Users in Your Feeds
Bluesky, a social media app similar to X (formerly Twitter), now lets you stop seeing reposts from specific people who are cluttering your feed. You tap the three dots on their profile and choose "Hide reposts in feeds" to clean things up without unfollowing them. For Portage County: If someone you follow on Bluesky shares too much, this is a quick fix that keeps your feed readable without any awkwardness.
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Apple Still Planning 'Glass-Centric' iPhone Redesign for 2027
Apple is still planning a major iPhone redesign for 2027, the device's 20th anniversary, featuring glass wrapping around the front and back with only a thin metal band in between. A report earlier claimed the plan was canceled, but Bloomberg's Mark Gurman says it remains on track. For Portage County: No action needed now, but if you are thinking about buying a new iPhone in the next year or two, it may be worth waiting to see what the anniversary model looks like.
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AI Is Helping Solve the Intricate Genetic Puzzle of Schizophrenia
Scientists are using artificial intelligence to map the genetics of schizophrenia in more detail than ever before, identifying patterns in DNA that may help explain why the disorder develops. The findings open new paths for research but are not yet tied to any treatment or drug. For Portage County: Nothing to act on today, but this is encouraging news for families who have a loved one living with schizophrenia, as better understanding of the cause is the first step toward better care.
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BdThemes Supply Chain Attack Poisons JSON to Create Rogue WordPress Admins
Researchers found that a popular WordPress plugin company called BdThemes was compromised in a supply chain attack, meaning hackers slipped malicious code into tools that website owners download and install. The attack was designed to quietly create unauthorized administrator accounts on affected websites. For Portage County: If anyone you know runs a small business website built on WordPress, tell them to check with their web person about whether BdThemes plugins are installed and to update or remove them right away.
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Apple’s 20th-anniversary iPhone redesign reportedly remains on track
Apple is still planning a major iPhone redesign for 2027 to mark the device's 20th anniversary, with glass covering the front and back edges. Bloomberg confirmed the plan is moving forward after an earlier report suggested it had been scrapped. For Portage County: If your current iPhone is working fine, there is no reason to rush a purchase, but 2027 may bring the biggest iPhone change in years.
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Jefferies downgrades Apple stock, cites all-glass iPhone cancellation rumor
A Wall Street firm called Jefferies cut its Apple stock price target after reports suggested Apple canceled its all-glass iPhone planned for 2027. Apple and Bloomberg have since pushed back on that cancellation claim. For Portage County: Stock price moves do not affect how your iPhone works, so no action needed, but it is a reminder that Apple rumors can spread fast and are not always accurate.
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I turned off 4 Windows settings and my Wi-Fi jumped from 330 Mbps to 730 Mbps
A Windows computer user found that turning off four specific settings in Windows boosted their Wi-Fi speed from 330 Mbps to 730 Mbps on the same home network. The settings involved power-saving and network adapter options that Windows sometimes turns on by default. For Portage County: If your home internet feels slow even though you pay for a fast plan, call Bill, as a few quick setting changes might make a real difference without any new equipment.
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