Here's what's making news today in tech — picked from the 10 sources I trust, translated for normal humans.
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China-Aligned TA419 Targets U.S. AI Policy Experts With Microsoft AitM Phishing
A China-linked hacking group called TA419 is sending fake emails that look like they come from well-known economists and AI researchers, trying to steal login credentials from people at universities and policy organizations. The group has even impersonated an employee from the AI company Anthropic to make the messages look more convincing. For Portage County: If you get an unexpected email asking you to log in anywhere, even if the sender looks official, call the organization directly before clicking anything.
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ShinyHunters Suspect Rey Reportedly Detained in Jordan, Helping FBI Identify Group Members
A man known online as Rey, whose real name is Saif al-Din Khader, was detained in Jordan in late September 2026 as a suspected member of ShinyHunters, a group that breaks into companies and demands money. He is reportedly cooperating with the FBI and helping identify other members of the group. For Portage County: This is a reminder that cybercriminals do get caught, but if you ever get a message claiming your accounts were hacked and demanding payment, call Bill before doing anything.
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Keurig Alta First-Look: No More Plastic K-Cups
Keurig is introducing a new machine called the Alta that uses compostable pods instead of the plastic K-Cups that have filled landfills for years. The new pods contain no plastic or aluminum, but the machine and pods cost more than the current setup. For Portage County: If you use a Keurig, this is worth watching, but hold off buying until prices come down and the pods are easy to find locally.
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Get lifetime access to Microsoft Office 2024 Pro Plus for just $40 with our exclusive code
A deal is circulating online for a lifetime license to Microsoft Office 2024 Pro Plus for around $40, which includes Word, Excel, and PowerPoint with no monthly fee. This is a third-party sale, not directly from Microsoft, so the source and long-term support are not guaranteed. For Portage County: If you need Office and want to avoid a subscription, ask Bill first so you get a legitimate copy that will actually receive security updates.
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My Android battery was draining fast, so I checked these 4 permissions
Four app permissions on Android phones, including location access and background activity, can quietly drain your battery without you knowing. Checking and turning off permissions for apps that don't need them can make a real difference in how long your phone lasts each day. For Portage County: Go to Settings, then Apps, and look at what permissions each app has, or call Bill and he can walk you through it in a few minutes.
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I changed one ChatGPT setting, and it stopped giving me generic advice
ChatGPT has a profile setting where you can describe yourself and your preferences, and filling it in makes the AI give you more specific, useful answers instead of generic ones. Changing just that one setting can make a noticeable difference if you use ChatGPT for advice or help with writing. For Portage County: If you use ChatGPT and find its answers too vague, try clicking your name in the corner, then Customize ChatGPT, and write a sentence or two about what you actually need help with.
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How to improve your laptop's webcam quality
Your laptop's built-in webcam can look much better on video calls if you adjust the lighting in the room, clean the lens, and tweak the video settings in apps like Zoom. Sitting with a window or lamp in front of you, not behind you, makes the biggest single difference. For Portage County: Before your next doctor's telehealth visit or family video call, try facing a lamp and see if the picture improves before spending money on a new camera.
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What's the difference between battery capacity and battery life?
Battery capacity is measured in milliamp hours and tells you how much energy a battery holds, but battery life depends on how the device uses that energy. A phone with a big battery can still run out fast if the screen is always bright or apps are always running in the background. For Portage County: If your phone dies too quickly, the fix is often in the settings, not a new phone, so ask Bill before you go shopping.
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