Here's what's making news today in tech — picked from the 10 sources I trust, translated for normal humans.
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Exclusive: Google PM says the Pixel Watch 5 is like an 'airbag on your wrist' thanks to features like Breathing Emergency Detection
Google says its new Pixel Watch 5 can detect when a person stops breathing normally and send an alert, which it compares to having an airbag on your wrist. The feature is called Breathing Emergency Detection and is aimed at catching serious health events early. For Portage County: If you or a family member wears a smartwatch for health monitoring, this is worth knowing about when you next shop for one.
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I stopped using this innocent-looking Microsoft app after realizing it wastes RAM
A Microsoft app that runs quietly in the background on Windows computers can eat up a significant amount of memory, slowing down older machines. The article recommends turning it off if your PC feels sluggish. For Portage County: If your computer has been running slowly, call Bill, who can check whether this app is running and disable it for you.
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LG’s new OLED breakthrough can boost display lifespans
LG has developed a new way to make OLED screens that are brighter, last longer, and use less power than current models. The new method, called FLiPP, could eventually show up in TVs of nearly any size. For Portage County: No action needed now, but if you are shopping for a new TV in the next year or two, OLED screens are becoming a better value.
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Samsung is holding another Galaxy Event on August 27
Samsung is holding a product event on August 27 to announce a new phone joining its Galaxy S26 lineup. No other details about the phone have been shared yet. For Portage County: If someone in your household is due for a new Android phone, it may be worth waiting a few weeks to see what Samsung announces.
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ChatGPT has started dropping unexpected f-bombs — and I think I’ve found the reason why
ChatGPT, the popular AI chat tool, has been producing occasional profanity in its responses, which users have found surprising and off-putting. The cause appears to be related to how the AI learned from online text. For Portage County: If you use ChatGPT and see unexpected language, know it is a known glitch, not something you triggered, and you can simply rephrase your question or start a new chat.
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Salmonella Is Everywhere
Salmonella contamination has been found in a wide range of grocery store foods recently, from granola to guacamole, leading to multiple recalls. Health experts say washing hands, checking recall lists, and following safe food handling steps can reduce your risk. For Portage County: Check the FDA recall list at fda.gov before eating packaged foods you have had sitting around, and when in doubt, throw it out.
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Elementor Pro Flaw Could Let Unauthenticated Attackers Upload PHP and Execute Code
A serious security flaw has been found in a popular tool called Elementor Pro, which many websites use to manage their pages. Hackers could use this flaw to take over a website without needing a password. For Portage County: If someone you know runs a website using WordPress, tell them to update the Elementor Pro plugin right away, or have their web person do it.
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Comcast Xfinity Wants to Use Your Wi-Fi as a Motion Sensor in Your Home
Comcast Xfinity is testing a feature called Xfinity Shield that uses your home Wi-Fi signal as a motion sensor, detecting movement inside your house without extra cameras. It combines this with cybersecurity tools into one service. For Portage County: If you are an Xfinity customer curious about home security without installing cameras, ask Bill whether this service is available in your area and whether it fits your needs.
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Apple's Camera AirPods Not Launching Until 2027 Despite Leaked Video
Apple showed a video of AirPods with built-in cameras, but the company says those earbuds will not actually go on sale until 2027 at the earliest. Supply problems are part of the reason for the delay. For Portage County: No need to wait or save up for these yet, your current AirPods or earbuds will serve you fine for a good while longer.
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Finally, an Android maker besides Google is embracing magnetic charging
Motorola has hinted that more of its Android phones will soon support Qi2, a magnetic wireless charging standard that snaps your phone into place on a charger, similar to Apple's MagSafe. Until now, only Google offered this on Android phones. For Portage County: If you charge your phone wirelessly and find the cable or pad fussy to line up, magnetic charging is much easier, and more options are coming.
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