Next-gen Apple AirTag tipped to be more tamper-proof

Photo: Apple

Apple is rumoured to be working on the next-generation version of the AirTag. And with concerns over its misuse, the company is supposedly looking to add some privacy improvements to the accessory. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports in his Power On newsletter that Apple is looking to make it tamper-proof, meaning its speaker will be more difficult to remove. Apple added features to the AirTag to help curb unwanted trafficking. One of them is sound alerts that let you know there's an unknown AirTag in your vicinity.

Gurman writes that the second-generation AirTag will also feature an onboard wireless chip and get better range. However, don't expect it to look much different from its predecessor. The new Apple AirTag will supposedly launch in mid-2025.

SOURCE

HarperCollins seeks AI training rights from authors

Embed from Getty Images

HarperCollins wanted to use its authors' works to train an artificial intelligence language model for an unnamed technology company. The publishing company planned to pay the writers of select nonfiction backlist titles a non-negotiable sum of US$2,500 per title (around CA$3,490) to license the book for three years. The offer was revealed by writer and comedian Daniel Kibblesmith on a Bluesky post on November 16 with a one-word caption: "Abominable."

As BGR pointed out, it is encouraging to see HarperCollins giving the authors a way to opt out of the deal, because it could have strong-armed the writers into taking the deal. However, we wouldn't be surprised if many declined the offer, especially given how much they were paying for the licensing.

Click to read more ...

Gmail tipped to offer temporary email addresses

Image: Android Authority

You might be able to use a temporary email with your Gmail soon. At least, references to the feature were spotted in the Gmail Android app's apk file. Google calls it "Shielded Email." The idea is you get a temporary email address you can give out to third parties instead of using your actual email. And when you receive emails through this address, they get forwarded to your regular inbox. If you want to kill the account and not receive emails through it, you can easily do so without dealing with unsubscribing or other tedious processes.

From the screenshot shared by Android Authority, it seems there might be options to have more than one Shielded Email. However, it's unclear if Google will roll out this feature. We will keep our eyes out for any updates.

SOURCE

Google Pixel Tablet 2 tipped to get a keyboard case

Google Pixel Tablet (Photo: Google)

The Google Pixel Tablet is expected to get a successor soon, and with it comes accessories. Google is rumoured to introduce a keyboard case with the Pixel Tablet 2. It is unclear if it will be bundled with the tablet or sold separately. This new slate is expected to arrive with newer and better cameras, an improved processor, a seven-year update cycle, and display output support.

The Pixel Tablet 2 won't supposedly get a new look but it might feature smaller bezels and have rearranged button placements.

SOURCE