Here's what's making news today in tech — picked from the 10 sources I trust, translated for normal humans.
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4 Android Auto automations that help me keep my eyes on the road
Android Auto is a phone feature that reads your messages aloud and lets you reply by voice while driving, so you never need to look down at your screen. Setting up a few simple automations, like silencing notifications when the car starts, can make every drive safer. For Portage County: If you use Android Auto on your phone, check your settings for a "driving mode" or "Do Not Disturb while driving" option, it takes two minutes to turn on.
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TCL is suing Samsung for false advertising on its Mini-LED TVs — here’s how to tell if your TV is included
TCL is suing Samsung, claiming Samsung misled buyers about how many tiny LED lights are actually inside certain Mini-LED TVs. The lawsuit says some Samsung sets have far fewer LEDs than the marketing implied, which affects picture quality. For Portage County: If you bought a Samsung Mini-LED TV in the last two years, check Samsung's model number against the list in the TCL lawsuit coverage to see if your set is named.
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Google Releases Chrome Update to Patch Actively Exploited V8 Zero-Day
Google pushed an urgent security update for its Chrome browser after discovering a serious flaw that hackers are already using to attack people online. You need version 152.0.7977.82 or higher to be protected. For Portage County: Open Chrome, click the three dots in the top-right corner, go to Help, then About Google Chrome, and let it update right now before you do any banking or shopping online.
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Apple Is Testing a Four-HomePod Surround System, Code Suggests
Apple is testing a feature that would let four HomePod speakers work together as a full surround-sound system for your TV, similar to a home theater setup. Code found inside Apple's software also hints at a "Party Mode" for playing music through multiple HomePods at once. For Portage County: Nothing to buy yet, but if you already own HomePods, this could be a free upgrade worth watching for when Apple releases it.
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Plex Urges Immediate Updates After Patching Multiple Undisclosed Security Flaws
Plex, a popular app for watching your own movies and TV shows at home, released an urgent security update after finding multiple flaws that could put users at risk. The fixes are in Plex Media Server version 1.43.3 and Plex Desktop version 1.115.0. For Portage County: If anyone in your household uses Plex, open the app, go to Settings, and check for updates today, do not wait on this one.
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Tesla starts offering Cybercab robotaxi rides
Tesla officially launched the Cybercab, a self-driving car with no steering wheel, at a private event in Austin, Texas. The company is now offering rides in it, marking a major step toward driverless taxis becoming real. For Portage County: This is early-stage and not available here yet, but it is worth knowing these vehicles are moving from headlines to actual roads in some cities.
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Six Sleeps Until iPhone 18 Pro: Here's What We Know
Apple is expected to reveal the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and its first-ever foldable iPhone at an event on Wednesday, September 9, using the tagline "Surprise and shine." The new Pro models are expected to keep a similar look to the iPhone 17 Pro but with new features still being detailed. For Portage County: No need to rush out and buy anything, but if your iPhone is more than four years old, this announcement is a good time to ask Bill whether an upgrade makes sense.
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The unusually muted Tesla Cybercab launch
Tesla officially launched the Cybercab, a driverless car with no steering wheel, at a quiet, closed-door event in Austin. It is a big moment for the company, which has been promising fully autonomous vehicles for years. For Portage County: Self-driving taxis are not coming to Portage County anytime soon, but scammers sometimes use big tech launches to push fake investment offers, so be cautious if anyone contacts you about "getting in early" on Tesla.
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