Google knows a lot about you and your interests, and it uses that information to try and get more of your time and attention. A new Search Labs experiment called "Daily Listen," for instance, can turn your Discover feed into a professional podcast. Google's Discover is a curated feed on mobile devices filled with articles and videos that the company's algorithms believe are aligned with your interests based on your search queries and other activities. As 9to5Google notes, this feature is similar to the one Google released for NotebookLM last year. That NotebookLM tool can turn materials you feed it into a podcast with two hosts who even banter like they're real people.Daily Listen can create a podcast episode around 5 minutes in length that you can listen to for an overview on the latest about the topics you typically follow. You will have to opt into Search Labs if this is something you'd like to try by tapping on the flask icon at the top left of the Google app. Once it's on, you can find the Daily Listen Card underneath the Search bar in the Google app on Android and iOS. Click it to generate a podcast, which brings up a screen with a text transcript and audio controls.You can clearly see where each section of the podcast begins and ends in the audio scrubber, and you can pause, stop, rewind and fast forward it anytime. You can also give it a thumbs up or down to send Google your feedback. If you scroll down, you'll see a bunch of related stories grouped together based on the sections of the podcast in case you're looking for more information.The experimental feature is going live today in the US, according to 9to5Google, though it might take a while to start seeing the option to generate a podcast. It's not clear yet if Google has plans to roll it out to other regions, and there are no guarantees that it will get a wide release.GoogleThis article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/google-can-automatically-make-a-podcast-based-on-your-discover-feed-131126522.html?src=rss

DCU actor Frank Grillo teases Rick Flag Sr's role in James Gunn's Superman movie and Peacemaker season 2.

Nearly 1% of Microsofts headcount is to be affected by latest job cuts.

Google has added an experimental feature to the Discover feed, allowing you to listen to a recap of the days stories as a personalized mini-podcast.

Airbnbs nonprofit arm, Airbnb.org, is providing free, temporary housing for Los Angeles residents who have been displaced or forced to evacuate due to the ongoing wildfires.To support residents who have been displaced from their homes or forced to evacuate by the wildfires, Airbnb.org is working with211 LA, which serves Los Angeles County, to offer free, temporary housing, the company said in a blog post. Stays are completely free for guests and are funded by Airbnb.org and the generosity of Airbnb hostsmany of whom offer their home for free or at a discount through Airbnb.org.Devastating wildfires began in the Los Angeles area Tuesday, fueled by powerful Santa Ana winds and compounded by the fact that much of the region has seen just a quarter of an inch of rain in the last eight months. At least five people were killed and more than 1,000 structures were destroyed as of Wednesday evening, according to the Associated Press. The Palisades Firealready the most destructive fire in Los Angeles historyand the Eaton Fire, near Pasadena, have thus far burned more than 25,000 acres.Airbnb.org has offered free, temporary housing to people displaced by several natural disasters, including Hurricanes Helene and Milton, and the war in Ukraine. Los Angeles residents in need can request temporary housing by filling out an intake formwith 211 LA.

In todays hyper-connected world, its wild how often we still get stuck in echo chamberssurrounded by the same opinions, hearing the same narratives on repeat, and, without realizing it, putting false idols and so-called experts on pedestals. Its not just frustrating; its actually dangerous. Whether its blindly trusting a favorite podcast host or falling into the grip of a modern-day cult, these patterns can creep into our lives in ways we dont even notice.Amanda Montells book Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism dives deep into how language can subtly manipulate us into unwavering loyalty. And heres the kicker: Even if you think, That could never be me, the reality is more complicated. The same human needs that draw people to cultsbelonging, certainty, and guidanceshow up in smaller, less obvious ways in our everyday lives, from our workplaces to our personal circles.So how do we avoid falling into these traps? It starts with strengthening our critical thinking, opening ourselves up to different perspectives, and embracing a little intellectual humility. Breaking free from echo chambers isnt easy, but its worth itfor our minds and for the world around us.The pull of charismatic leadershipWhy do we follow certain people or ideas so mindlessly? Montell explains that cultish groups, whether religious, political, or even social, often succeed because they tap into universal human desires: the need for connection, purpose, and certainty. While some groups offer positive community and shared goals, others exploit these needs for control. Take the story of Elizabeth Holmes and the rise and fall of Theranos. Holmess compelling vision of revolutionizing healthcare captured the imaginations of investors, employees, and even patients. Her carefully curated personaa black turtleneck-clad homage to Steve Jobscombined with persuasive storytelling, led people to overlook mounting evidence of deception. The language of certainty and revolutionary promise created an echo chamber where dissenting voices were drowned out.But its not just high-profile cases. In our day-to-day lives, we can fall into the trap of following influencers, leaders, or trends without questioning their validity. The cult of hustle culture, for instance, glorifies overwork while ignoring the mental health costs. Recognizing these patterns is the first step in breaking free.The data on echo chambers and their effects is compelling: A 2021 study by the Pew Research Center found that 64% of Americans say social media platforms have created echo chambers, where people are exposed only to ideas that align with their beliefs. Published research highlights how groupthink in decision-making can lead to poorer outcomes, as dissenting voices are often suppressed in favor of consensus. A study in Psychological Science revealed that exposure to diverse perspectives enhances critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, yet most people gravitate toward information that confirms their biases.These statistics underline the urgency of addressing our susceptibility to echo chambers and cultlike thinking.How to separate charm from truthTo navigate a world rife with misinformation and charismatic false idols, we need a robust framework for developing critical thinking skills and broadening our horizons. Heres how:1. Interrogate the sourceEvery piece of information, every opinion, and every expert claim deserves scrutiny. Ask yourself:Who benefits from this narrative?What evidence supports this claim, and is it peer-reviewed or independently verified?Does this person or group have a track record of integrity, or are they selling certainty at the expense of truth?2. Diversify your social and intellectual circlesEscape your echo chamber by actively seeking out different perspectives. Join groups, attend events, or engage in discussions that challenge your views. As Montell points out, true understanding requires listening to voices outside your immediate circle of influence.For example, instead of following only tech industry leaders, explore thinkers from sociology, anthropology, or philosophy who can provide fresh insights into your field. Platforms like Meetup or even cross-disciplinary conferences can help you find diverse communities.3. Practice intellectual humilityBeing a critical thinker means admitting when youre wrong or when you dont know something. This practice isnt about self-doubt but about being open to growth. As Montell writes, cultish language often relies on certainty to manipulate followers. Combat this by staying curious and questioning even your own deeply held beliefs.4. Challenge charisma with questionsCharisma is powerful, but its not a substitute for credibility. Whether its a manager, public figure, or influencer, ask:Are their ideas grounded in fact, or do they rely solely on inspiring rhetoric?Do they encourage dissent and dialogue, or do they silence criticism?By stepping outside your echo chamber and fostering critical thinking, you make better decisions and enrich your life with diverse ideas and experiences. When you resist the pull of false idols and cultivate intellectual independence, you set the stage for true innovation, resilience, and growth. As Montell eloquently demonstrates in Cultish, the language of certainty and belonging can be intoxicating, but its through embracing complexity and nuance that we truly grow. Whether youre leading a team, navigating your personal life, or engaging with the broader world, the ability to question, challenge, and think critically is the antidote to blind allegianceand the key to transformative progress.

The wildfires raging around the Los Angeles area have now entered their third day. Within that time frame, tens of thousands of acres in the Pacific Palisades and Eaton areas have been consumed by flames while blazes are still taking hold elsewhere, most recently in the Hollywood Hills. So far, five people are confirmed to have died, reports CNN, but more deaths are expected as the fires continue to rage.Besides scorched structures and lives lost, the fires are also leaving behind a humanitarian disaster, as local residents go without shelter and belongings. Thankfully, there are numerous organizations that are helping with relief effortsand you can, too. Here is a list of organizations you can donate to in order to help those affected by the California fires.American Red Cross: Donations will help the group provide relief to those affected by the California wildfires.California Community Foundation: Supports long-term recovery efforts for communities affected by natural disasters.California Fire Foundation: Provides support to firefighters, the families of fallen firefighters, and victims of the wildfires.Community Organized Relief Effort: Distributes masks, hygiene kits, and more.GoFundMe: The fundraising platform has a list of verified fundraisers for people affected by the wildfires.Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation: Helps equip Los Angeles firefighters with supplies, including emergency shelters and hydration backpacks.Los Angeles Regional Food Bank: The organization is accepting food donations at two of is California distribution centers and also accepting monetary donations online.Pasadena Community Foundation: Provides support to local nonprofits that help respond to the fires.Pasadena Humane: Provides emergency resources to animals affected by the fires.Salvation Army Southern California Division: Provides food, shelter, and personal necessities to first responders and victims of the wildfires.United Way of Greater Los Angeles: Provides support to low-income people affected by the fires.World Central Kitchen: Helps support first responders and victims of the disaster by providing them with meals.

Chinese technology brand Lenovo has revealed a "first-of-its-kind" laptop with a "rollable", vertically expanding display at the CES tech fair in Las Vegas.Lenovo's ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 Rollable was developed in cooperation with the company's innovation arm Lenovo Research and is a production-ready evolution of a concept first showcased two years ago.Lenovo has unveiled the ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 Rollable at CESIts key innovation is a rollable display that extends from 14 inches to 16.7 inches, adding almost 50 per cent to the total screen size.Users can activate the expanding display by pressing a dedicated key or gesturing in front of the laptop's camera. When not in use, the screen can retract so the device functions like a conventional laptop.The laptop's display expands by almost 50 per centThe product aims to provide enhanced functionality for professionals on the move, combining the portability of a laptop with the multitasking capabilities enabled by a larger screen.The taller screen also has ergonomic benefits, Lenovo claims, as it "encourages better posture, reducing strain for professionals working long hours".Lenovo developed the product for professionals on the moveIn terms of software, the laptop features a proprietary ThinkBook Workspace that enables split-screen functionality and incorporates dedicated widgets that allow users to easily access frequently used apps and tools.Lenovo suggests that the extended vertical display is "ideal for applications such as document review, coding, project management and content creation".Read: Lenovo reveals "industry's first" laptop with transparent displayThe enlarged screen can be configured to display multiple windows, including a second virtual display that can be shared in meetings to reduce the need for external monitors.The ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 is powered by Intel Core Ultra processors with Intel Arc graphics supporting high-speed performance across a range of applications.The laptop comes with dedicated software that enables split-screen functionalityAI-enabled features such as Lenovo AI Now help to streamline workflows and offer personalised task suggestions, while generative AI software also supports tasks such as content creation and data processing.The result is what Lenovo calls "the world's first rollable display AI PC"."With rollable technology and AI-driven features, this device represents a significant advancement in adaptable design and productivity-enhancing technology, setting a new standard for the future of mobile computing," the company said.The laptop weights 1.7 kilogramsLenovo used this year's CES to debut several AI-powered products for business users, including a redesign of its ThinkPad X9 laptops and a series of high-performance ThinkCentre desktops.Previous innovations developed by the company include a laptop concept with a transparent screen and a folding laptop with two full-sized displays.CES 2025takes place in Las Vegas from 7 to 10 January 2025. SeeDezeen Events Guidefor an up-to-date list of architecture and design events taking place around the world.The post Lenovo unveils laptop with unrolling display that doubles in size appeared first on Dezeen.