Bluesky has rolled out an update that fixes one important issue that could lead to impersonation on the decentralized social network. Now, when you verify your identity on the platform with your own domain, Bluesky will no longer free up your old .bsky.social username. In the past, going through the authentication process will make your original .bsky.social name available again, which means you'll have to sign up again to secure your old handle if you don't want impersonators to scoop it up.The social network has been trying to fix its verification issues, which became a significant problem after the service welcomed an influx of new users in recent months. A third-party entity from Cornell Tech who analyzed the app's userbase previously found that 44 percent of Bluesky's 100 most-followed accounts have a doppelganger. As a response, Bluesky adopted a more aggressive impersonation policy and required parody, satire or fan accounts to label themselves as such in both their handles and their bio in late November. It also explicitly prohibited identity churning, in which users would start off as impersonators to gain followers and then switch their identity later to avoid enforcement action.In addition to reserving your old handle, the updated Bluesky app adds a "Mentions" tab in notifications, making it much easier to find replies to your posts. As The Verge notes, it also has a new button that lets you choose how replies show up, so you can choose to see them in a linear order or in threaded discussions. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/blueskys-latest-update-addresses-an-important-verification-problem-140055367.html?src=rss

Last week, Google allegedly instructed contract workers evaluating Gemini not to skip any prompts, regardless of their expertise, TechCrunch reports based on internal guidance it viewed.Now, contractors have allegedly been instructed not to skip prompts that require specialized domain knowledge and to rate the parts of the prompt you understand, adding a note that its not an area they have knowledge in. Apparently, the only times contractors can skip now are if a big chunk of the information is missing or if it has harmful content.Google filed a statement to Engadget, saying its raters perform a wide range of tasks across many different Google products and platforms. They provide valuable feedback on more than just the content of the answers, but also on the style, format and other factors. Mat SmithGet this delivered daily direct to your inbox. Subscribe right here!The biggest tech stories you missedSonic the Hedgehog 4 movie confirmed by ParamountDJI evades US ban but has one year to prove its products arent a national security threatThe Steam Winter Sale is here to take all your moneyElevation Labs TimeCapsule is a waterproof 10-year battery case for your AirTagA literal set and forget.LenovoElevation Lab has released an accessory for the Apple AirTag that extends its battery life by up to 10 years and makes it waterproof. The TimeCapsule contains your AirTag and two AA batteries. You dont need to open your AirTag and tinker with it you only have to remove its backplate and coin battery before attaching it to the case. As you can see, it will make your tracking device a lot bigger and considerably heftier, so its mostly ideal for use with large objects, such as vehicles and big suitcases. Peace of mind for $20 plus two AAs.Continue reading.Honda is unveiling two EV prototypes at CES 2025The concepts broke cover last year.Honda is officially introducing two Series 0 electric vehicle prototypes at CES next year, and the company says theyll be available for purchase around the world sometime in 2026. The vehicles will be based on the futuristic-looking concepts the company presented at CES 2024, including a flagship model called the Saloon, which featured a low profile and aerodynamic design.Continue reading.Lenovos leaked ThinkBook Plus unrolls extra screen spaceThe company teased a rollable laptop concept in 2022.LenovoAccording to images shared by leaker Evan Blass, Lenovos sixth-generation ThinkBook Plus will have an extendable rolling display. The company first teased a rollable laptop concept in 2022. The display can extend and unroll until you effectively have two screens stacked on top of each other. Lenovos images show a video call open on the top part of the display, and what looks like a PowerPoint presentation on the bottom. It looks a little weird.Continue reading.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/general/the-morning-after-engadget-newsletter-121541903.html?src=rss

Apple has issued a complaint about Meta regarding the DMAs mandated interoperability requests, as reported by Reuters. The iPhone maker says that Meta has issued 15 of these requests, which it says could impact the privacy and security of users. Meta disagrees.First, a quick primer. The EUs Digital Markets Act (DMA) requires that Apple allow rivals and third-party app developers to inter-operate with its own services or risk a steep fine, as much as ten percent of global turnover. Under the terms of the DMA, Apple must allow other companies to submit interoperability requests for hardware and software that affect iOS and iPadOS devices.Apple must assess these requests and, if approved, have to design a solution to allow for effective interoperability. Meta has issued 15 of these requests, more than any other company, and Apple says that compliance would give the company extensive access to its technology stack. Apple also says that doing so could put the privacy and security of users at risk."If Apple were to have to grant all of these requests, Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp could enable Meta to read on a user's device all of their messages and emails, see every phone call they make or receive, track every app that they use, scan all of their photos, look at their files and calendar events, log all of their passwords and more," Apple wrote in a statement to Reuters.The company also referred to Metas recent privacy issues throughout Europe. Meta has been fined in various countries for data breaches and for tracking users across apps, among other concerns.Meta, of course, has a different take on things. The social media and VR giant wrote that what Apple is actually saying is they dont believe in interoperability. Every time Apple is called out for its anticompetitive behavior, they defend themselves on privacy grounds that have no basis in reality.We sent preliminary findings to Apple under the Digital Markets Act.Apple should open iOS features like notifications, AirPlay, and AirDrop to third-party devices, enhancing innovation and user choice.It should also improve transparency and predictability for developers European Commission (@EU_Commission) December 19, 2024 We dont know if the EU will intervene on behalf of Apple or Meta in this case, but the European Commission recently published preliminary directions on how Apple should open up to rivals. These measures would require Apple to be transparent regarding the different phases, deadlines and criteria involving the completion of interoperability requests.These proposed measures are open for debate until January 9. In March, a decision is expected as to whether or not Apple has complied with the DMAs interoperability provision.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/apple-and-meta-are-beefing-over-the-dmas-mandated-interoperability-requests-155851120.html?src=rss

Mirai is scanning for poorly protected Session Smart routers, and is using them to run DDoS attacks.

The penultimate streaming list of the year has arrived here's what's worth watching this weekend.

New Windows 11 24H2 bug silences some PCs, and Microsoft has blocked the update for affected devices while it works on a fix.

Specialty pharmacies and online companies that have been selling off-brand copies of two blockbuster drugs for obesity and diabetes will need to phase out their versions next year under a federal decision issued Thursday.The Food and Drug Administration said that a nationwide shortage of Eli Lillys Zepbound and Mounjaro has been resolved, eliminating the need for copycat versions of the drugs that have become wildly popular with Americans trying to lose weight.The decision is a win for Lillywhich had been pressing the FDA to take the step for monthsand is expected to impact how patients access the drugs, including how much they pay.Zepbound is FDA-approved to treat obesity and Mounjaro is approved for diabetes. They use the same active ingredient, tirzepatide.The FDA said Thursday that Lillys supply is currently meeting or exceeding demand, after two years of shortages.Both drugs are part of the GLP-1 class that has shown unprecedented results for helping people shed weight by decreasing appetite and boosting feelings of fullness. Wegovy and Ozempiccompeting drugs from Novo Nordiskremain on the FDAs shortage list.With demand for GLP-1 drugs booming, compounding pharmacies and telehealth companies like Hims and Ro have jumped into the market, selling cheaper versions online. People can usually get a months supply for several hundred dollars.Thursdays decision gives businesses between 60 and 90 days, depending on their size, to phase out their products.The FDA permits compounded versions of brand name drugs when they are in shortage, and the shift back to Lillys medications could improve safety for consumers. The FDA warned patients last year about problems with the ingredients and formulations of some GLP-1 drugs sold online. The agency has limited oversight of compounding pharmacies, which are primarily overseen by state authorities.Compounding pharmacies use raw drug ingredients to produce customized versions of prescription medicationsfor instance, when patients have allergies to certain ingredients. The industry has grown into a multibillion-dollar business over the past decade amid increasing drug shortages.Demand for off-brand GLP-1 drugs has been amplified by aggressive online promotions from telehealth companies, which arent subject to the same marketing rules as drugmakers.The FDA previously declared an end to the shortage of Mounjaro and Zepbound in early October, but reversed its decision after public pushback and a lawsuit filed by compounding pharmacies.The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.Matthew Perrone, AP Health Writer

U.S. wholesale egg prices are shattering records as an accelerating outbreak of bird flu in laying hens slashes supplies while shoppers buy more to bake Christmas cookies and other holiday treats.The increases hit consumers already grappling with stubborn inflation and bracing for potentially higher prices on a broad range of items if President-elect Donald Trump follows through on plans to slap tariffs on goods from China and Mexico.Wholesale prices for large eggs reached $5.57 per dozen in the Midwest on Wednesday, up 150% from a year ago and topping the previous record of $5.46 from December 2022, commodity data firm Expana said.Prices are even harder to stomach in California, where supplies are further constrained by rules that prohibit farmers from raising hens in cages. There, eggs set an eye-popping record of $8.85 per dozen, Expana said.Those high prices are a bonanza for farmers who manage to avoid bird flu outbreaks and are not locked in to long-term pricing arrangements that help control costs at some major retailers. But consumers could still suffer.The average retail price of a dozen eggs exceeded $3.60 in November, up from $2.50 at the start of the year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Only in September was the average price higher, at $3.80.FURTHER PRICE RISES POSSIBLERetailers have been slow to pass on higher costs, in part because they do not want to scare away shoppers during the busy holiday season, but they may lift prices in the new year, said Karyn Rispoli, Expanas managing editor for eggs.In an early sign of an impact, U.S. grocery chain Giant, owned by Ahold Delhaize, canceled a promotion planned for January around Washington and Baltimore, said Giant pricing director Erik Weenink.We just dont know where costs are going to sit, he said.The main factor driving egg prices higher is damage to the laying flock from bird flu. The virus has wiped out nearly 123 million chickens, turkeys and other poultry in 49 states since the beginning of the current outbreak in 2022.Nationwide, the U.S. laying hen flock in October was down 3% from the year prior, at about 315 million birds, and egg production was down 4%, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.USDA this month lowered its forecasts for egg production and exports in 2025 while raising its price outlook.Theres not enough supply for the export markets, just like there isnt that much of a supply for the U.S. market, said Greg Tyler, CEO of the USA Poultry & Egg Export Council, a trade group.HUMANS IMPACTEDOf 35 million commercial egg-laying hens killed by bird flu this year, nearly half contracted the virus in the past three months, data shows.Workers in Iowa, the top egg-producing state, began culling a massive flock of 4.2 million hens that tested positive this month.Were in one of those windows where its just rampant, Rispoli said.Wild birds can transmit the virus to poultry flocks. This year, outbreaks among cows also increased risks for farm delivery trucks to carry the virus to poultry barns from dairies.The virus has infected 61 people so far this year, according to federal data. The cases in humans have mostly been mild, though officials confirmed the first severe case this week in Louisiana.USDA has been funding vaccine research that could be used to protect poultry and cows from bird flu.Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack told Reuters the agency has funds to purchase some of the vaccine and it would be logical for the Trump administration to continue supporting vaccine development.Leah Douglas and Tom Polansek, Reuters

CagriSema, a drug that Novo Nordiskhad hoped would become itsnext generationweight-loss aid, has failed to meet expectations in late-stage trials, sending shares of the pharmaceutical giant tumblingas much as 24%at one point in premarket trading on Friday morning.The test drug combinessemaglutide, the active ingredient in its blockbuster Wegovy, withcagrilintide, a dual approach that suppresses the appetite and manages how the body processes food. This combination is designed to be more effective than treatments using semaglutide alone.What happened with the trial?The Phase 3 trial, conducted over 68 weeks and involving approximately 3,400 participants with obesity or overweight conditions and one or more comorbidities, was a crucial step in demonstrating the drugs potential, with the goal of achieving 25% weight loss in trial participants. But the results, while promising, fell short at weight loss of22.7%.Additionally, competitor Eli Lillys experimental drugretatrutideshowed even stronger results with a24%reduction after just 48 weeks, further highlighting the competitive advantage of Lillys offeringsand helping drive Lillys stock (NYSE: LLY) up 7% in premarket trading Friday morning.Whats next for CagriSema?Despite these setbacks, Novo Nordisk said it remains committed to CagriSema. Results from theREDEFINE 2 trial, focusing on adults with type 2 diabetes who are obese or overweight, are expected in early 2025. Meanwhile, the company plans to submit the drug for regulatory approval by the end of next year, signaling that it sees potential for further refinement and success in the competitive obesity drug market.We are encouraged by the weight loss profile of CagriSema, demonstrating superiority over both semaglutide and cagrilintide in monotherapy in the REDEFINE 1 trial, Martin Holst Lange, Novos executive vice president for development, noted in astatement. This was achieved even though only 57% of patients reached the highest CagriSema dose.Shares of Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE: NVO) peaked in June of this year and have been on a generally downward slope since. The stock has fallen more than 26% in the last six months.

Promotion: global kitchen and bath brand Kohler has set out an ambitious vision for the role it will play on the future of water conservation in the built environment.The U.S. company has taken a three-pronged approach with a design strategy that it says is increasingly focused around sustainability.Firstly, innovating with products that prioritise water conservation. Secondly, easing dependency on freshwater and supporting restoration projects. Finally, engaging in what it describes as "a wider ecosystem" of architects, designers, builders, and policymakers.Kohler has developed a broad portfolio of products which prioritise water efficiency"At Kohler, we believe water is not just a resource; its a vital thread that weaves through every aspect of life and the built environment," said Laura Kohler, chief sustainable living officer and board member at Kohler.She was appointed in the newly created chief sustainability officer role in January 2023, in what the company said reflected the sustainability priorities of the organisation. Her role was changed tochief sustainable living officer in January 2024.She subsequently established bigger goals for the organisation with more urgent deadlines in pursuing water conservation and improved access to safe water and sanitation.Laura Kohler has established bigger goals with more urgent deadlinesSmart technology and products which prioritise water efficiency are at the heart of its work, said Kohler.Years of research, analysis and design from Kohler have culminated in several new products such as smart toilets, advancedshower panels and hands-free taps which it expects will significantly reduce water waste."By blending thoughtful design with cutting-edge technology, were not only shaping a future where water is respected and preserved, but also inspiring others to rethink how we interact with this essential resource," said Kohler.Kohler's latest toilet is the Leap has its most advanced features for water efficiencyThe Leap toilet is Kohler's latest smart toilet, capable of saving around 48,000 gallons of water over 20 years, Kohler claimed.As well as its Leap toilet, its smart panels for showers allow people to set an eco mode which ensures significantly more efficient water usage. It has also designed a smart water monitoring system giving people more visibility of water at home, identifying leaks and waste.The company has been rethinking its designs since its first public sustainability commitments in 2008. It has been exploring the broader system of water in the built environment, leading to a wide-ranging selection of water conserving products offered across its global product portfolio.Smart panels help ensure more efficient water usage"Our water ambition - 'Water Stewardship Through Uncompromising Design' - reflects our commitment to innovating solutions that ensure equitable access to clean water and create more efficient and sustainable water experiences for generations to come," Kohler added.The U.S. company also marked the 10 year anniversary of its WasteLab initiative this year, which sought to develop new designs which advance circularity and wasted materials.It developed a range of WaterSense labelled products with features which it claimed has saved over 634 billion gallons of water per year in the U.S. since 2007.Experts discussed sustainable water consumption at this year's Climate Week NYCIn its bid to be an active participant in water security over a long term, Kohler has been fostering partnerships with other organisations with similar interests.Among them is a multi-year project led by Bonneville Environmental Foundation, Arizona State University and Bridgestone to convert high water use crops to low water use crops and install high efficiency irrigation technology to low water use crops to alleviate water stress on the local aquifers.Laura Kohler outlined many of the themes at a talk moderated by Dezeen US editor Ben Dreith during Climate Week NYC, which took place from 22 to 29 September.Kohler has been fostering partnerships with other organisations with similar interestsThe panel, which also included AvroKO architecture design director Dennis Askins and Six Senses regional director Sarah Bonsall, explored radical ideas to address water security, spanning the design of buildings to advocating for improved infrastructure in neighbourhoods.Laura Kohler said in the company's impact report that its ambition is to "leave the world a better place than we found it".She added: "We evolved our mission to intentionally embrace the concept of sustainable living and significantly increased our efforts to address the water crisis."The photography is supplied by Kohler.Partnership contentThis article was written by Dezeen forKohleras part of a partnership.Find out more about Dezeen partnership contenthere.The post Kohler sets out vision for "water stewardship through uncompromising design" appeared first on Dezeen.