Here's what's making news today in tech — picked from the 10 sources I trust, translated for normal humans.
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I asked ChatGPT how much my box of forgotten old tech was worth — I ended up selling it for $130
A writer asked ChatGPT to help price a box of old gadgets, including forgotten phones and cables, and the AI gave surprisingly useful estimates. He ended up selling the items for $130, more than he expected. For Portage County: If you have a drawer full of old phones or tablets, try describing them to ChatGPT at chat.openai.com and ask what they might sell for before tossing them.
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UAT-10147 Uses AI to Scale Server Attacks, Deploys SPECTRE With EDR Bypass and Linux Rootkit
A cybercrime group is using AI tools to attack web servers at schools, media companies, and tech firms across several countries. The attackers use software designed to sneak past security programs and hide on infected computers. For Portage County: This targets businesses and institutions, not home users directly, but it is a good reminder to keep your home router's firmware updated, which Bill can help you do.
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They Dedicated Their Lives to Teaching. Then the Deepfakes Started
Researchers found that teachers, not just students, are being targeted by AI-generated fake images that are sexual in nature and deeply harmful. Four teachers described how hard it was to get the content removed or hold anyone accountable. For Portage County: If you or a family member ever find fake images of yourself online, contact local police and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children's CyberTipline at cybertipline.org.
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NASA’s New Space Telescope Is Poised to Discover Hidden Facets of the Universe
NASA is preparing to launch the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, which scientists expect will discover up to 200,000 new planets and shed light on dark matter and dark energy. It is one of the most ambitious space observatories ever built. For Portage County: No action needed, but this is a genuinely exciting science story worth sharing with grandchildren who are curious about space.
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Woman stranded in Spain after UK's eVisa system mistakes her for twin sister
A woman traveling from Spain was stranded when the UK's digital visa system confused her identity with her twin sister's, leaving her unable to board her flight home. The error highlights real risks in government systems that rely on digital records without easy ways to fix mistakes. For Portage County: If you use a passport or digital ID for travel, always carry printed backup copies of your travel documents in case a computer error causes problems at the airport.
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What is a VESA mount and how to know what type your TV has
A VESA mount is the standard bracket system used to hang a TV on a wall, and the numbers like 200x200 or 400x400 describe where the bolt holes are spaced on the back of your TV. You also need to check that the mount can handle your TV's weight before buying. For Portage County: Before purchasing a wall mount, flip your TV manual to the back page or search your TV's model number online to find its VESA size and weight, or call Bill to avoid a costly mismatch.
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You can fill a Roku with live TV, movies, and local news for $0
Roku devices have a built-in free app that gives you access to more than 500 live TV channels, local news affiliates, and free movies at no cost. You do not need a subscription or a credit card to use it. For Portage County: On your Roku remote, press the home button, go to Streaming Channels, and search for The Roku Channel to start watching free local news and movies today.
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Your router's CPU is throttling your Wi-Fi—here's which 6 settings to disable first
Your home router has several settings turned on by default that can quietly slow down your Wi-Fi, and turning off a handful of them can make a noticeable difference. The article identifies six specific settings worth checking. For Portage County: If your Wi-Fi feels sluggish and your router is more than three years old, call Bill before changing any settings yourself, since the wrong tweak can knock out your connection entirely.
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I stopped installing “cleaner” apps and used these Android tools to reclaim storage instead
Android phones have built-in tools that can free up storage space without downloading any extra apps, which can sometimes cause more problems than they solve. Avoiding third-party cleaner apps protects your phone from potential privacy risks. For Portage County: On an Android phone, go to Settings, then Storage, to see what is taking up space and delete it safely without downloading anything new.
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M6 iMac Coming This Year in New Colors
Apple is planning to release a new iMac desktop computer later this year with a faster chip called the M6 and new color choices. No major changes to the design are expected, according to Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman. For Portage County: If you have been thinking about buying an iMac, it is worth waiting a few months to get the newer model at the same price.
This digest is auto-generated daily at 6 AM ET from leading tech news sources.
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— Bill's Home Tech, Atwater, OH