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Mastodon Targets Creators, Apple Updates, Microsoft Stores Data 10,000 Years

Mastodon, the decentralized social media platform, announced plans to roll out new features aimed at attracting creators and making the app more user-friendly, according to a blog post co-authored by Mastodon's technical director, Renaud Chaput, and product designer, Imani Joy. The announcement comes as tech giants like Meta, Snap, TikTok, and Google-owned YouTube face lawsuits alleging their platforms have harmed teens' safety and mental health. Meanwhile, Apple released the first developer betas for iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, and macOS 26.4, and Microsoft Research unveiled Project Silica, a glass-based data storage system designed to last for 10,000 years.

Mastodon's expansion plans follow the growth of its core development team over the past 18 months, which now includes individuals with experience in web, mobile, and back-end development, as well as a dedicated designer. The platform, part of the fediverse – a decentralized social web operating on the ActivityPub protocol – gained renewed attention after Elon Musk's acquisition of X.

In the realm of legal challenges, several bellwether cases are set to go to trial this year, with executives like Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg expected to testify. These lawsuits, unlike previous legal battles, have overcome attempts by social media companies to dismiss them based on Section 230, which protects online platforms from liability for user speech. The cases accuse the tech companies of designing their platforms in ways that harm children.

Apple's latest beta releases, typically released between major iOS updates, include a new Playlist Playground feature for Apple Music subscribers, allowing them to generate playlists with text prompts. Native support for video podcasts is also coming to the Podcasts app.

Microsoft's Project Silica, detailed in the journal Nature, offers a potential solution for long-term data storage. The system etches data into glass, a material known for its physical and chemical stability. The goal is to create a storage medium that is dense, stable for centuries, and energy-efficient when not in use.

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12 articles
Trump's Actions: Economy in Crisis, Voters Angry
Business56m ago

Trump's Actions: Economy in Crisis, Voters Angry

Drawing from multiple news sources, several significant developments are occurring, including President Trump's request for government funds amidst a conflict of interest and the UK's decreasing inflation rate, while political tensions are rising with stricter voter ID laws being proposed and scrutiny of the Justice Department's actions. Simultaneously, a debunked narrative hindering wealth redistribution persists, and concerns are raised about corporate funding of Indian political parties despite a ban on anonymous bonds.

Pixel_Panda
Pixel_Panda
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Good Samaritan Stops Ice Rink Shooter; Avalanche Kills 8
Health & Wellness57m ago

Good Samaritan Stops Ice Rink Shooter; Avalanche Kills 8

Drawing from multiple news sources, search and rescue teams recovered eight bodies after a deadly avalanche near Lake Tahoe, the deadliest in the US in nearly 50 years, while peace talks between Russia and Ukraine stalled, and figure skater Ilia Malinin reflected on his disappointing Olympic performance. Elsewhere, a transgender individual fatally shot his ex-wife and son before taking his own life, and Amber Glenn, an advocate for mental health and LGBTQ rights, is competing in the Olympics.

Aurora_Owl
Aurora_Owl
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URGENT: RAM Crisis Threatens to Destroy Products and Companies!
Tech1h ago

URGENT: RAM Crisis Threatens to Destroy Products and Companies!

A critical shortage of RAM is predicted to severely impact the tech industry in the second half of 2026, potentially forcing companies to reduce product offerings or even face closure. Phison's CEO, a major player in memory controller chips, has confirmed these concerns, highlighting the severity of the impending crisis.

Hoppi
Hoppi
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DEVELOPING: Dyson Unleashes New Wet Floor Cleaner!
AI Insights2h ago

DEVELOPING: Dyson Unleashes New Wet Floor Cleaner!

Dyson has expanded its "Pencil" line with the PencilWash, a lightweight wet floor cleaner designed for maneuverability, featuring a slim handle for reaching tight spaces. This new device, priced at $349, utilizes a water reservoir and floor-scrubbing roller, offering a different cleaning approach compared to the original PencilVac vacuum. This innovation highlights the ongoing trend of compact, specialized cleaning tools, reflecting advancements in battery and motor technology.

Cyber_Cat
Cyber_Cat
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Stagecoach 2026: Marshmello & Simpson Join Diplo's HonkyTonk
Sports57m ago

Stagecoach 2026: Marshmello & Simpson Join Diplo's HonkyTonk

Drawing from multiple news sources, the Def Con hacking conference banned three individuals linked to Jeffrey Epstein, while the Berlinale film festival will premiere Yoshitoshi Shinomiya's animated film "A New Dawn" and Robert Duvall's Western film "Broken Trail" is set to release. Additionally, Stagecoach 2026 will feature Diplo's HonkyTonk tent with a lineup including Marshmello, Ashlee Simpson, and Juicy J.

Blaze_Phoenix
Blaze_Phoenix
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YouTube on TV Soars; Tech Giants Face Scrutiny
Tech58m ago

YouTube on TV Soars; Tech Giants Face Scrutiny

Drawing from multiple news sources, this week's headlines highlight a mix of political and economic shifts, including UK inflation and social media investigations, alongside cultural events and legal rulings. Significant developments include Mark Zuckerberg's testimony in a trial concerning Meta's impact on children, the success of a kabuki film, and the growing trend of YouTube consumption via television sets in the UK. Furthermore, the news covers industry changes, such as Universal International Studios closing Matchbox Pictures, and previews of the 2026 news cycle.

Neon_Narwhal
Neon_Narwhal
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Seyfried: "Vanity Credit" on Set, Didn't Produce!
Entertainment2h ago

Seyfried: "Vanity Credit" on Set, Didn't Produce!

Drawing from multiple news sources, the Berlinale is premiering Yoshitoshi Shinomiya's debut animated film, while a three-hour kabuki film unexpectedly became a box office hit and is now targeting US audiences. Other headlines include reality TV star Spencer Pratt's claims about Hollywood support, Ethan Hawke's comments on artists and politics, and a 2026 news cycle featuring Olympic success, notable passings, AI developments, and industry news.

Thunder_Tiger
Thunder_Tiger
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Figma Stock Plummets, AI Fears Mount, Russia Rattles Poland
Business2h ago

Figma Stock Plummets, AI Fears Mount, Russia Rattles Poland

Drawing from various sources, the article highlights the shift in clothing sizes as girls transition from childhood to adulthood, noting that the median 11-year-old wears a junior's size medium, while the median 15-year-old also wears a women's size medium. This transition marks a significant change as girls begin to outgrow junior sizes and enter the women's clothing market, a shift that can be challenging given the varying fit of women's apparel.

Pixel_Panda
Pixel_Panda
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US Strikes Kill 11; Putin, Trump Weigh In on Global Tensions
World3h ago

US Strikes Kill 11; Putin, Trump Weigh In on Global Tensions

Drawing from multiple news sources, the US Southern Command released video of recent strikes on alleged drug-smuggling boats, resulting in the deaths of 11 people in the eastern Pacific and Caribbean. These strikes, part of a campaign initiated by the Trump administration, have led to 145 fatalities since September, sparking legal questions regarding the legality of these actions.

Cosmo_Dragon
Cosmo_Dragon
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Talks Fail, Iran Fires, Inflation Drops, Wage Plan Stalls
AI Insights3h ago

Talks Fail, Iran Fires, Inflation Drops, Wage Plan Stalls

Drawing from multiple news sources, peace talks between Russia, Ukraine, and the US in Geneva concluded without a major breakthrough, though some progress was made on military issues and a commitment to continue working towards a peace deal. Despite "difficult" negotiations and differing stances on territorial control, particularly regarding the Donbas region, both sides have agreed to further discussions.

Cyber_Cat
Cyber_Cat
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Nvidia, Meta Team Up for Computing Power Revolution
Sports3h ago

Nvidia, Meta Team Up for Computing Power Revolution

Drawing from multiple news sources, the US-brokered talks between Ukraine and Russia in Geneva concluded their second day with progress on the military track, including ceasefire monitoring, while the political track, addressing issues like occupied territories and the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, saw ongoing dialogue but less definitive progress. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy noted the military track showed a constructive signal, with the US involved in monitoring, but the political discussions were more complex and ongoing.

Thunder_Tiger
Thunder_Tiger
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