Not So SuperAs Marvel Rivals reaches a ridiculous new player count record on Steam, its devs put a damper on things by preventing mods, so no more Goku skin for youSwings and roundabouts!Image credit: NetEase Games/ SuperBrando04 News by Oisin Kuhnke Contributor Published on Jan. 12, 2025 Marvel Rivals seems a bit unstoppable at the moment, even if mods don't work anymore, as it hit a new player count peak this weekend.We all already knew that Marvel Rivals is popular, but its real test was always going to be how it fared when its first season dropped. That first season dropped a couple of days ago, and lo and behold, the game is popular - so much so, that it hit an all-time concurrent player count peak of 644,269 people, making it one of the most played games this weekend. It's also the game with the 14th highest all-time peak ever on Steam, putting it above games like Apex Legends and the also recently released and popular Path of Exile 2. Those are some big, strong numbers, and certainly cements that Marvel Rivals is here to stay - perhaps unsurprising considering the IP attached to it, but relevant given how many live service games die right out of the gate.To see this content please enable targeting cookies. The downside? That season 1 update has also now stopped players from using mods, something that has quite quickly gotten popular given the presence of classics like a Thomas the Tank Engine skin for Jeff The Land Shark. Some other mods include things like a Pochita from Chainsaw Man skin for Jeff, Vegeta for Iron Man, and Goku for Spider-Man. There's already quite a few mods in general for the game over on Nexus Mods, most of which are visual tweaks, performance improvements, and the like, but obviously the concern from NetEase Games will be players using mods to cheat.Mods like skins have been banned from use right from the get-go, so this update isn't surprising in any capacity. In a comment to IGN, NetEase even said that it is "not recommended to modify any game files, as doing so carries the risk of getting banned." It's not like the game needs any help, but games like Team Fortress 2 are popular to this day because of the game's prolific modding and custom content scene. Not much to be done about it now, so I guess you'll just have to appreciate regular Jeff The Land Shark.

Make some space for the Kongs.Donkey Kong Country Returns HD rolls onto the Switch next week and Nintendo appears to have updated the estimated file size of the eShop download.According to the eshop, this new version (including the Wii and 3DS content) has dropped from 9.0GB to 8.3GB. As we previously mentioned, the sequel Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is just 6.6GB in comparison.Read the full article on nintendolife.com

Darlington Public School by fjcstudio | Brett BoardmanDarlington Public School Technical InformationArchitects1-16: fjcstudioLocation: Golden Grove Street, Chippendale, NSW 2008, Sydney, AustraliaClient: NSW Department of EducationCompletion Year: 2023Photographs: Brett Boardman, Anthony FretwellThe project explored and extended the formalprogramof the client to include the views and experience of the local community and a variety of usersthis generated a reading of the history of place, culture, and time. fjcstudio ArchitectsDarlington Public School PhotographsAerial View | Brett BoardmanFacade | Anthony FretwellEntrance | Brett BoardmanRear Facade | Brett BoardmanOrganic Shapes | Brett BoardmanFacade Detail | Brett BoardmanCourtyards | Brett BoardmanInterior | Brett BoardmanInterior | Brett BoardmanInterior | Brett BoardmanDesign Approach and Architectural Innovationfjcstudios approach to Darlington Public School reflects a deep understanding of contemporary educational needs and cultural narratives. At the core of the design is an adaptable spatial configuration that supports various modes of learningactive, quiet, and outdoor. The learning hubs foster collaboration and inclusivity, creating a dynamic environment tailored to diverse student needs. Large, naturally lit spaces encourage engagement and creativity, while outdoor terraces and play areas connect learners with nature, providing a balance of structure and openness.A standout feature of the project is its integration of First Nations culture through the concept of Connecting with Country. This was achieved through extensive collaboration with First Nations Elders, artists, and the Aboriginal Art Group. The result is a campus that weaves Indigenous plants, art, and storytelling into its fabric. For instance, QR codes scattered throughout the site link users to stories about the land and plants, transforming the school into a living classroom. Additionally, perforated screens echoing the local casuarina trees create a visual connection to the natural surroundings.The retention of cultural continuity is further demonstrated through the recreation of murals by Blak Douglas (Adam Hill) from the original school and the incorporation of totems by Uncle Neil (Thorne). These elements honor local traditions and enrich the educational experience, allowing students to engage with cultural narratives daily.Sustainability and Environmental ResponsibilitySustainability is at the heart of Darlington Public Schools design. The campus employs rainwater harvesting systems, natural ventilation, and energy-efficient solutions to minimize environmental impact. Sawtooth roofs, strategically angled to capture sunlight, are complemented by high-level glazing that diffuses indirect daylight throughout the interiors. Curved protective screens filter light while maintaining a connection to the outdoors.Integrating biophilic design principles further enhances the schools relationship with its environment. Outdoor learning terraces and garden play areas are functional and evoke traditional Indigenous learning spaces, fostering a profound connection to nature. These design choices align with fjcstudios commitment to creating sustainable, place-based architecture that celebrates and preserves the local ecosystem.As a community hub, the school exemplifies how architecture can address environmental challenges while promoting cultural and educational values. The design models how educational institutions can blend innovation with ecological stewardship, benefiting both present and future generations.Darlington Public School Architectural ImpactThe WAF jurys commendation of Darlington Public School highlights its poetic integration of topography, landscape, and cultural narratives. Paul Finch, representing the jury, noted the projects ability to seamlessly merge form, materiality, and environment into an unexpectedly delightful composition. This praise underscores the schools success in addressing historical and cultural differences through architecture, providing a vision for reconciliation and a brighter future.As a model for future educational spaces, Darlington Public School sets a new standard for the field. Its thoughtful incorporation of Indigenous heritage and sustainable practices positions it as a worldwide benchmark for architects and educators. By blending cultural sensitivity, innovative design, and environmental consciousness, the project challenges conventional notions of school architecture.Darlington Public School PlansSite Plan | fjcstudioGround Level | fjcstudioLevel 1 | fjcstudioLevel 2 | fjcstudioElevation | fjcstudioDarlington Public School Image GalleryAbout fjcstudioCredits and Additional NotesDesign Team: Richard Francis-Jones, Elizabeth Carpenter, Jason Searl, Marika Haromo, Kathryn Aldover, Thevaki Sivasubramaniam, Mona Mengpa Zhang, Richard Tripolone, Jen Brandwood, Natalie McEvoy, Prachi Chauhan, Brooke Matthews, Chad Dao, Margaret Metchev, Max Jefferys, Ileana Lanfranco, Maria Martinez, Myrrhine FabriciusBuilder: AW Edwards Pty LtdConstruction Management: MacePlanning Consultant: Ethos UrbanStructural Engineers: Meinhardt-BonacciBuilding Services Engineers: Umow LaiAcoustic Engineers: Acoustic Logic, Pulse AcousticsFire Engineers: Warrington FireHeritage Consultants: GML HeritageSurveyors: CMS SurveyorsLandscape Architects: Jones & JonesUrban Designers: StantecSustainability Consultant: Integral GroupEducational Consultants: New Learning EnvironmentsSignage: AW SignsCost Consultants: Donald Cant Watts Corke

During the nineteenth century several small rural settlements dotted the landscape in Cornwall, Connecticut. In 1782, a group of strict Congregationalists seceded from the established Congregational church in town and constructed a second church in Cornwall Center. Following this, the town was divided into north and south parishes, with First Church built on the town center and the Second Church, this building, constructed in North Cornwall village in 1826. The North Congregational church is among the towns finest Federal style buildings in the region and features three entrances with fanlight transoms and the bays of the facade are broken up by two-story fluted pilasters.

Published January 12, 2025 8:00am EST close Jillian Michaels explains why people fall off their diets, fitness routines after summer The Biggest Loser star Jillian Michaels shared her thoughts on why people fall off their diet and fitness routines during the fall and winter seasons and explained how they can get back on track. CES 2025 has once again showcased a remarkable array of health and fitness technology that promises to transform our well-being.From artificial intelligence-powered sleep aids to smart ear-cleaning devices, this year's event highlights cutting-edge solutions designed to enhance our health and fitness routines.These groundbreaking innovations are sure to offer something for everyone. Kurt giving a thumbs up to CES 2025 (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)1. AI sleep wearable promises better rest and sharper focus Frenz Brainband (Earable Neuroscience)The Frenz Brainband is this cool new AI-powered sleep headband that not only tracks your sleep, but actually helps you sleep better and focus more during the day. The Frenz Brainband uses some seriously advanced tech to monitor your brain waves, eye movements and even tiny facial twitches while you snooze.The Brainband uses all that info to play personalized audio through bone-conduction speakers, helping you fall asleep faster and sleep more deeply. The folks at Earable Neuroscience, the company behind Frenz, have done their homework. They've got research backing up their claims, and they've even snagged a CES Innovation Award. So, whether you're struggling with insomnia or just want to optimize your sleep and daytime focus, the Frenz Brainband might be worth checking out. It'savailable for purchase at a price of $680 or through a rental option for $45 per month.2. The smart ear-cleaning device that lets you watch in real time EarSight Flow (Bebird)The Bebird EarSight Flow is an innovative ear care device that combines high-resolution imaging with advanced cleaning technology. Featuring a 1 million-pixel camera and Aquatic Ear Canal Cleaning Technology, this device allows you to safely remove earwax while providing a live view through a smartphone app. As a CES 2025 Innovation Awards honoree in the digital health category, the EarSight Flow offers a modern solution to ear hygiene, enabling you to see inside your ear canal during the cleaning process.The device comes equipped with a high-definition camera with over 1 million pixels and a Ball Axis Adjustment Megapixel Lens for precise positioning. You can easily integrate the device with your smartphone, using compatible Android and iOS apps to stream the real-time cleaning process. The advanced cleaning technology gently removes earwax and debris, providing a safe and interactive ear care experience. You can buy a Bebird EarSight Flow byclicking here.Note: Health care professionals recommend consulting with a medical expert before using any ear-cleaning device to ensure safe and proper usage.3. Next-gen smart ring offers digital sizing Circular Ring 2 (Circular)The Circular Ring 2 introduces a groundbreaking digital sizing method that allows you to determine your ring size using only a smartphone camera and a dedicated app. This innovative approach eliminates the traditional plastic sizing kit used by competitors like Oura Ring and Samsung Galaxy Ring.A standout feature of the Circular Ring 2 is its FDA-approved atrial fibrillation detection algorithm, which marks the first such certification in the smart ring market. The Circular Ring 2 willlaunch in mid-to-late January 2025 with an expected retail price of $349 to $380, depending on the finish selected (gold, silver, black or rose gold). The ring will ship in March 2025 and is notable for being subscription-free.4. The AI-powered home gymThe Amp Fitness machine is a groundbreaking $1,795 home gym powered by advanced artificial intelligence that transforms strength training. Featuring adjustable cable machine weights, an integrated camera and a smart companion app, the device provides dynamic workouts that adapt in real time to maximize your fitness gains.You can access hundreds of workout variations, participate in fitness challenges and even compete on a global leaderboard that tracks strength and progress. The machine's AI technology continuously analyzes performance, adjusting resistance and workout intensity to ensure you are constantly challenged and making consistent progress. The Amp Fitness machine is priced at $1,795 and is available with a $99 deposit. It is expected to ship in early 2025.5. Revolutionizing hearing technology with AI-powered features Elehear Beyond Pro (Elehear)The Elehear Beyond Pro is an innovative over-the-counter hearing aid that combines cutting-edge AI technology with user-friendly features. This smart hearing wearable offers real-time translation capabilities across multiple languages, making it an invaluable tool for global communication.The device also provides customizable tinnitus relief, addressing a common concern for many individuals with hearing issues. At the heart of the Beyond Pro is Elehear's proprietary Vocclear technology, which significantly enhances sound clarity and speech intelligibility. The Elehear Beyond Pro hearing aid is expected to be released later in 2025.6. Shocking your taste buds with an electric salt spoon Electric salt spoon (Kirin Holdings)Kirin Holdings has unveiled an innovative electric salt spoon that uses a mild electrical current to enhance food flavor without adding sodium. This $127 device concentrates sodium ions on the tongue, making low-sodium foods taste up to 1.5 times saltier. The spoon offers four adjustable intensity levels, ranging from mild (yellow light) to intense (blue light).Developed in collaboration with Meiji University, the device addresses critical health concerns by helping people enjoy flavorful meals while reducing salt intake. First-time users are recommended to start at the lowest intensity setting to acclimate to the unique sensory experience. You can purchase the electric salt spoon through Kirin'sofficial online store.7. The smart air purifier that pampers your feline friend AeroCatTower (LG)LG's innovative AeroCatTower is a device that seamlessly blends pet comfort with air purification technology. The tower features a dome-shaped seat where cats can relax, complete with a built-in heater and an attachable stepper to help older cats climb.Its intelligent air purification system automatically adjusts airflow when a cat is present, ensuring minimal disturbance to your furry companion. Through the LG ThinQ app, pet owners can track their cat's weight and sleep patterns, adding an extra layer of pet care technology. Pricing and availability remain undisclosed byLG.8. Your personal AI yoga instructor YoctoMat (Yocto)The YoctoMat is a smart yoga mat that transforms your practice through cutting-edge embedded sensor technology, providing real-time feedback on your posture, balance and weight distribution. By creating a visual map of your movements, this intelligent mat acts like a personal yoga instructor, helping you perfect your alignment and technique with precision and ease.The mat's advanced IoT capabilities allow you to track your progress, analyze your performance and receive instant corrections, making every yoga session an opportunity for growth and mindfulness. Lightweight and portable, the YoctoMat brings the expertise of a professional yoga studio directly to your home, enabling practitioners of all levels to enhance their practice.Its AI-powered system not only improves physical technique but also supports stress reduction and mental well-being, turning your yoga routine into a holistic wellness experience. Whether you're a beginner seeking guidance or an experienced yogi looking to refine your skills, the YoctoMat offers an interactive, data-driven approach to yoga that adapts to your individual needs. The YoctoMat is available for purchasethrough the company's inquiry form here.9. Digital glasses for enhanced vision ESight Go (eSight)ESight, renowned for its medical vision enhancement devices, is showcasing its latest innovation, eSight Go, at CES. These cutting-edge digital glasses are designed to assist individuals with central vision loss caused by conditions like macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. The eSight Go features a high-definition camera on the nosepiece that captures continuous video footage, which is then optimized and displayed on HD OLED screens for enhanced viewing.Users can integrate their prescription lenses for further visual optimization. Engineered for all-day wear, these lightweight glasses come equipped with built-in controls and a neck-worn battery pack that provides up to three hours of continuous use. The eSight Go is priced at $4,950, and you can get a free consultationhere.10. The contactless sleep-tracking solution ISleePad (ITRI)WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?The iSleePad is a contactless sleep-tracking solution designed to monitor vital health data without the discomfort of wearable devices. Utilizing advanced low-power microwave sensor technology, the lightweight and foldable pad can track essential sleep metrics, including heart rate, breathing and sleep position with remarkable precision.Positioned conveniently under the shoulders and torso, the iSleePad offers a unique feature set that goes beyond traditional sleep tracking, including real-time alerts for bed exits and a Schumann wave mode that promotes deep, restful sleep. Its flexible pressure-sensitive antenna provides over 95% accuracy in monitoring sleep activities, making it especially beneficial for elderly users, medical care settings and families with infants. The device seamlessly integrates with a smartphone app, allowing users to access real-time data and long-term physiological records. Nospecific information is available regarding its price or availability.11. AI smart mirror reveals what's beyond reflection Omnia (Withings)Withings has unveiled the Omnia, an innovative AI-powered smart mirror that provides comprehensive health screening through advanced sensor technology. The full-length mirror, equipped with a sophisticated base, can capture an extensive range of health metrics, including weight, heart health, metabolic data and body composition.Using integrated AI, the Omnia not only displays health data but also offers personalized insights through a voice assistant that can provide recommendations and potentially connect users with health care professionals. The device seamlessly integrates data from multiple Withings devices and third-party health apps, creating a holistic health monitoring ecosystem. The Omnia is still a concept product and is not yet available for purchase. It is in development with no clear pricing details provided at this time.12. Sleep smarter and rest better with intelligent biosensing earbuds Tone Buds (NextSense)GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERENextSense has unveiled the Tone Buds, a groundbreaking biosensing smart earbud that goes far beyond traditional sleep technology by actively monitoring and improving sleep quality. These innovative earbuds use clinical-grade EEG technology to precisely assess sleep stages and depth, providing unprecedented insights into a user's nocturnal experience.When the Tone Buds detect stage N3 sleep, the deepest stage of non-rapid eye movement sleep, they emit subtle pink noise stimulation to enhance rest. The AI-powered, closed-loop audio system responds dynamically to the user's brain waves, providing comforting audio for falling asleep and sound-neutralizing tracks to help users stay asleep.With sleep disorders affecting approximately 70 million Americans and poor sleep linked to serious health risks like heart disease, stroke and cognitive decline, the Tone Buds represent a significant advancement in personal sleep technology. By continuously monitoring brain activity and actively improving sleep in real time, NextSense is offering a sophisticated solution for those struggling to achieve restful, high-quality sleep. Tone Buds areavailable for preorder and will retail for $349.13. Smart glasses with built-in hearing aids to help hear better Nuance Audio glasses (EssilorLuxottica)EssilorLuxottica's Nuance Audio glasses feature six strategically placed microphones that capture sound with remarkable precision and directional accuracy. These innovative glasses offer users two distinct listening modes a focused directional setting that amplifies the voice of the person directly in front of you and a 360-degree audio mode that enhances surrounding sounds for complete environmental awareness.The embedded micro-speakers, positioned discreetly above the ears, deliver crystal-clear audio directly to the user, creating an invisible and stylish hearing solution for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss. With a companion app and remote control, users can easily customize volume levels, switch between sound modes and fine-tune their listening experience in real time.The glasses not only provide exceptional sound clarity but also eliminate the traditional stigma associated with hearing aids by seamlessly integrating advanced audio technology into a sleek, fashionable eyewear design. The launch timeline is pending FDA approval here in the U.S., butthe glasses are expected to be available for purchase starting in Q1 202514. Nutritional tracking just got easier V1tal device (Amazfit)Amazfit has unveiled its V1tal device, a compact gadget designed to revolutionize nutritional tracking. The V1tal uses a built-in camera to record your meals, automatically logging food intake and providing detailed nutritional information without manual input.This innovative device analyzes eating behavior, offering insights and tips to improve dietary habits. The V1tal integrates seamlessly with the Zepp app, creating a comprehensive health ecosystem when used alongside Amazfit's smartwatches and fitness trackers. While in the prototype stage,Amazfit plans to launch the V1tal in the United States during the first or second quarter of 2025.15. Never miss a pill again with this smart pillbox Smart Pillbox (HealthBuddy)The Smart Pillbox HealthBuddy app, recently launched on both Apple and Google Play stores, will transform how users manage their medications. This innovative app offers features such as medication tracking, pill reminders and the ability to log missed or taken doses, making it an essential tool for medication adherence. The app can be used independently or in conjunction with the upcoming Smart Pillbox device, which is in its pilot program phase.When paired with the device, the app will sync effortlessly, providing real-time tracking and automated logging of medication intake. The Smart Pillbox device, expected to be widely available in the coming months, will feature built-in sensors to detect when pill compartments are opened, as well as cellular connectivity to transmit adherence data securely to health care providers.This comprehensive system aims to improve medication management for users and enable health care providers to monitor patient adherence remotely, potentially enhancing overall health outcomes. The Smart Pillbox HealthBuddy app is available for free oniOS andAndroid, with thecompanion device available for preorder and expected to be widely available in the coming months.The content of this article is intended solely for educational and informational purposes. It should not be considered a substitute for professional health or medical advice. We strongly recommend consulting a qualified health care provider or physician with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your medical conditions or health goals.Kurts key takeawaysThese health and fitness advancements not only highlight the increasing synergy between technology and wellness, but also empower individuals to take control of their well-being in transformative ways. As these products hit the market, they have the potential to change how we approach fitness, nutrition and overall health, marking a pivotal moment for personal wellness. Embracing these innovations can lead to more informed choices and enhanced quality of life, making it an opportune time to explore what these technologies have to offer.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPWhich of the innovative health and fitness technologies from CES 2025 are you most excited about and why?Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/ContactFor more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading toCyberguy.com/NewsletterAsk Kurt a question or let us know what stories you'd like us to coverFollow Kurt on his social channelsAnswers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:New from Kurt:Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on "FOX & Friends." Got a tech question? Get Kurts free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com. Related Topics

All you need is a Swippitt phone case and the company's charging hub to get a fresh battery swapped in seconds.

You will finally be able to speak to your Google TV like you would speak to a person. And future models will support ambient sensors for a hands-free viewing experience.

As UnitedHealth Group executives continue to mourn the death of one of the healthcare giants top ... [+] executives, the company is bracing for reaction to what is likely another multi-billion-dollar profit for 2024 and the fourth quarter of last year. The company reports earnings on Thursday, January 16, 2025. In this photo is a general view outside the United Healthcare corporate headquarters on December 4, 2024 in Minnetonka, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)Getty ImagesAs UnitedHealth Group executives mourn the death of one of their top executives, the nations biggest health insurance company is bracing for this weeks reaction to another multi-billion-dollar profit for the fourth quarter.The year ended following the December 4 shooting death of UnitedHealthcare chief executive Brian Thompson, which unleashed a barrage of scrutiny on health insurer denials of medical care and certain other business practices from social media trolls and industry critics including some in Congress who say theyd d like to see reforms.The company along with most other rival health insurers, have largely remained dark with few press releases while companies including UnitedHealth have stripped executive pictures, biographies and other information from their websites.Thompson was among several executives who ran UnitedHealth Group businesses with the title of CEO. UnitedHealth includes the health insurance company UnitedHealthcare that included Thompson as well as the Optum medical care services business and its many subsidiaries including OptumRx, one of the nations largest pharmacy benefit managers.On Thursday, it will be the first time UnitedHealth executives led by CEO Andrew Witty will speak publicly since December 4 when the company was slated to hold its investor day, which was cancelled in the wake of the shooting in New York.MORE FOR YOUWhen UnitedHealth releases its fourth quarter and full year 2024 financial results on Thursday before the market opens, the report will almost certainly include a profit despite rising medical costs for seniors insured by its Medicare Advantage plans and expenses most UnitedHealthcare and Optum businesses endured from one of the nations largest cyberattacks on a U.S. company.A cyberattack last February on the companys Change Healthcare business triggered chaos for physicians and medical care providers across the country, paralyzing Change Healthcares massive billing and payment system. The attack triggered a shutdown of parts of Change Healthcares electronic system, leaving doctors and other providers of medical care without the ability to get insurance approval of patient services.The total cyberattack impacts to UnitedHealth and its subsidiaries is expected to be more than $2.2 billion for all of 2024, the company has projected. A final number will be included in Thursdays report.But the cyberattack hasnt prevented UnitedHealth from making billions of dollars every quarter this year. In the companys third quarter, for example, UnitedHealth Group reported profits that eclipsed $6 billion thanks to its diversified portfolio of health insurance and medical care provider services that helped overcome costs of a cyberattack on its businesses earlier this year.But Wall Street analysts are bracing for the continued impact of rising medical costs on UnitedHealthcare.Like the health insurance industry more broadly and insurers like UnitedHealth that have Medicare Advantage businesses, medical care costs are up. UnitedHealthcare has more than 50 million medical care plan customers including 7.8 million people in its Medicare Advantage, which is privatized insurance coverage for seniors that has seen in uptick in costs this year.Third quarter net income was $6.06 billion, or $6.51 per share. Analysts estimates for UnitedHealths fourth quarter earnings are an average of $6.72 per share, which would be up more than 9% compared to the fourth quarter of 2023. Revenues are expected to be more than $102 billion, which would be an 8% increase from the year-ago quarter.

A hot potato: Thousands of popular mobile apps across Android and iOS are allegedly being exploited to harvest sensitive location data on an unprecedented scale. This data collection, occurring through the advertising ecosystem, is likely happening without the knowledge of users or even app developers themselves. The information comes from hacked files belonging to Gravy Analytics, a location data company whose subsidiary, Venntel, has previously sold global location data to US law enforcement agencies. This information was reported by Wired, which collaborated with 404 Media to produce the story.The data breach has exposed a sprawling network of apps, ranging from popular games like Candy Crush to dating apps such as Tinder and Grindr. It also includes sensitive categories such as pregnancy tracking and religious prayer apps."For the first time publicly, we seem to have proof that one of the largest data brokers selling to both commercial and government clients appears to be acquiring their data from the online advertising 'bid stream,' rather than code embedded into the apps themselves," Zach Edwards, senior threat analyst at cybersecurity firm Silent Push, told 404 Media.This revelation sheds light on the world of real-time bidding (RTB), a process where companies bid to place ads inside apps. However, this system has a dangerous side effect: data brokers can intercept this process and harvest the location data of mobile phone users.Edwards described this as "a nightmare scenario for privacy," adding that "there's some company out there acting like a global honey badger, doing whatever it pleases with every piece of data that comes its way."The scale of this data collection is staggering. The hacked Gravy data includes tens of millions of mobile phone coordinates from devices in the United States, Russia, and Europe. The list of affected apps is extensive, covering a wide range of categories including social networks, fitness trackers, email clients, and even VPN apps that users may have downloaded in an attempt to protect their privacy.Although the data breach appears to involve Gravy Analytics, it remains unclear whether Gravy collected this location data itself or obtained it from another source. The dataset, which dates to 2024, offers a rare glimpse into the opaque world of the location data industry. // Related StoriesGravy Analytics plays a pivotal role in this ecosystem, aggregating mobile phone location data from various sources and selling it to commercial entities or government agencies via its subsidiary, Venntel. Previous investigations revealed that Venntel's clients include several U.S. government agencies, such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the IRS, the FBI, and the DEA.The implications of this data collection are far-reaching, raising serious privacy concerns and highlighting the potential for this data to be used in ways that users never intended or consented to. For instance, 404 Media and other outlets previously demonstrated how a tool called Locate X, powered by Venntel's data, could be used to monitor visitors to out-of-state abortion clinics.Most app developers and companies included in the list did not respond to requests for comment. However, Flightradar24 stated in an email that it had never heard of Gravy but acknowledged displaying ads to "help keep Flightradar24 free."Tinder denied any relationship with Gravy Analytics, while Muslim Pro, one of the affected prayer apps, claimed it does not authorize ad networks to collect location data of its users.The discovery that this data appears to originate from real-time bidding is particularly significant. It shifts accountability toward rogue actors in the advertising industry and the tech giants that facilitate it. It also suggests that many major app publishers may be unaware their users' data is being harvested, making it difficult for them to take preventive measures.Krzysztof Franaszek, founder of digital forensics firm Adalytics, reviewed the leaked data and observed that "at least some of this data would likely have been sourced from advertising-related real-time bidding." He noted evidence that Google's advertising platform is serving some of the ads that enable this tracking by outside companies, including potential government contractors.The FTC has recently taken action against similar practices. In December, the agency banned location data company Mobilewalla from collecting consumer data "from online advertising auctions for purposes other than participating in those auctions." The FTC also ordered Venntel and Gravy Analytics to delete historical location data and barred them from selling data related to sensitive areas, such as health clinics and places of worship, except under limited circumstances.

Mark Zuckerberg appeared on Joe Rogans podcast earlier this week, and he had a lot of words to say about Apple. In particular, the Meta chief targeted the companys innovative streak and the cumbersome ecosystem weaved around it.They havent invented anything great in a while. Its like Steve Jobs invented the iPhone, and now theyre just kind of sitting on it 20 years later, Zuckerberg told Rogan.Recommended VideosHeres the fun part. Meta which went by the name Facebook not too long ago tried to get a foothold in the phone market. And were not just talking about social media apps, here, but actual hardware.HTCIn 2011, the company partnered with HTC and launched two phones. The ChaCha was a QWERTY phone with a dedicated Facebook button at the button. The idea was to offer one-tap access to the Facebook social-verse.Please enable Javascript to view this contentThen there was the HTC Salsa, which kept the f button, but went for a regular full-screen slab format. Neither phone got a successor. Poor build, uninspiring internal hardware, and sub-par camera experience were some of the issues that adopters faced.Two years later, Zuckerberg again knocked at HTCs doors and created a custom Android experience called Facebook Home. The software even received praise for its thoughtful design and clean looks on the HTC First smartphone.Unfortunately, smartphone enthusiasts didnt buy too much into the idea of a phone tied deeply into the social media fabric. Mind you, this was long before Facebook was deemed a ticking privacy bomb.HTCSetting aside the reasons for failure, Facebook simply wasnt deemed charming or competent enough to beat the rising tide of iPhones, or even gain a foothold in the Android market.Alright, maybe Zuckerberg is not salty about those failures. It seems he is genuinely concerned about Apple losing its innovation mojo. And in his opinion, that is taking a toll on the sales figures, as well.I am not even sure they are selling more iPhones at this point, he told Rogan. I think part of it is that each generation doesnt get that much better, so people are just taking longer to upgrade than they would before.The Meta chief is not entirely off the mark here. Apple has indeed lost its competitive edge to Chinese brands when it comes to smartphone innovations. But that hasnt stopped the company from selling more phones.Or even tablets, watches, or computers. Zuckerberg cant quite claim that Facebook excelled in those categories, either. Metas best win in the XR hardware segment materialized only after it acquired Oculus for a couple of billion dollars.John Velasco / Digital TrendsIn 2022, Meta reportedly canceled its ambitious smartwatch project, according to Bloomberg. The same year, Reutersreported that the short-lived Portal smart display line was also put on cold ice.During the nearly three-hour-long interview with Rogan, Zuckerberg also touched upon Apples platform restrictions, using the AirPods as an example.Theyve just thoroughly hamstrung the ability for anyone else to build something that can connect to the iPhone in the same way, he said.Zuckerberg also broached the issue of Apples App Store fee structure, which has attracted its own fair share of criticism and antitrust concerns.So, how are they making more money as a company? Well, they do it by basically, like, squeezing people, referring to the 30% fee Apple charges for apps and in-app purchases distributed via the App Store.Joe Rogan Experience #2255 - Mark ZuckerbergApple has loosened some of the restrictions which include allowing external payment pipelines following multiple investigations and Europes landmark Digital Markets Act (DMA) reforms.The interview is worth a watch, especially in the wake of dramatic changes at Meta in the past few days. The company has ended its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts.Meta has also ended its independent fact-checker system for Facebook and Instagram, aside from some questionable moderation changes, all of which have raised serious concerns.Editors Recommendations