Meta has notched an early victory in its attempt to halt a surprise tell-all memoir from a former policy executive turned whistleblower. An arbitrator has sided with the social media company, saying that the books author should stop selling and publicizing the book, which went on sale earlier this week.The drama stems from Careless People, a new book by Sarah Wynn-Williams, a former policy official at Facebook who Meta says was fired in 2017. Described by its publisher as an explosive insider account, Wynn-Williams reveals some new details about Mark Zuckerbergs push to bring Facebook to China a decade ago. She also alleges that Meta's current policy chief, Joel Kaplan, acted inappropriately, and reveals embarrassing details about Zuckerbergs awkward encounters with world leadersThe book was only announced last week, and Meta has waged a forceful PR campaign against it, calling it a new book of old news. Numerous former employees have publicly disputed Wynn-Williams account of events that transpired while she worked at Facebook.Meta also filed an emergency motion with an arbitrator in an attempt to block the book, arguing that Wynn-Williams had violated a non-disparagement agreement with the company. In a decision, the arbitrator said that she should immediately stop making disparaging comments about Meta and stop further publishing or distributing the book. Its unclear what exactly this means for the book, which is already on sale. The publisher, Flatiron Books, which was also named in Metas complaint, didnt immediately respond to a request for comment.This ruling affirms that Sarah Wynn Williams false and defamatory book should never have been published, Meta spokesperson Andy Stone said in a statement. This urgent legal action was made necessary by Williams, who more than eight years after being terminated by the company, deliberately concealed the existence of her book project and avoided the industrys standard fact-checking process in order to rush it to shelves after waiting for eight years.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/meta-is-trying-to-stop-a-former-employee-from-promoting-her-book-about-facebook-004938899.html?src=rss

iRobot, the creator of the Roomba and the company that popularized robot vacuums in the first place, told investors on Wednesday that it has "substantial doubt about [its] ability to continue."Beyond declining sales the company reported that revenue decreased 47 percent in the US over the prior year in its fourth quarter earnings iRobot is also struggling to pay off its debts. The company took on a $200 million bridge loan to stay afloat while it waited for its $1.7 billion acquisition deal with Amazon to be approved, which it's still paying off.The European Commission ultimately investigated the acquisition in 2023, and rather than address its concerns, Amazon terminated the deal and paid out its $94 million termination fee. That wasn't enough to eliminate iRobot's problems, though. The company now plans to review its options and see if it can find another way to stick it out, including "refinancing the company's debt and exploring a potential sale or strategic transaction."The timing is particularly unfortunate given the line of new robot vacuums iRobot recently announced. The company has a new robot for most price points, but the Roomba 105 Vac Robot series, which are supposed to feature 70 times more suction than past models, and the Roomba Plus 505 Combo Robot + AutoWash Dock, which is able to clean corners better and has a dock that washes and heat-dries the robot's mop, stand out as notable improvements. The company is also adopting lidar sensors across the board, something that was missing from previous robots and should allow for better, more accurate mapping.It's possible new products help iRobot get to a better place financially the company still makes robots we recommend, after all but that doesn't change the fact that its facing stiff competition from companies like Roborock and Dreame, who are both getting much more adventurous with what their robot vacuums can actually do.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/smart-home/irobot-has-new-roombas-but-it-doesnt-sound-confident-itll-be-around-to-sell-them-191747458.html?src=rss

Six distinct backdoor samples are being used in this campaign.

Take-Two is going after online marketplace PlayerAuctionsfor allegedly selling hacked GTA Online accounts and currency.

Emirati state-owned investment firm MGX announced a $2 billion investment into Binance, marking the cryptocurrency exchange's first institutional investment.

Two powerful forces are dramatically reshaping the current world of workartificial intelligence and an aging workforce. While we can see that the way we work is changing, we need to move quickly to effectively cope with both.Currently, AI, machine learning, digitization, automation, and other technology shifts are continuing to drive big changes in how we work and evolving the skills we need. In fact, new Workday research into the AI skills revolution shows that 81% of workers globally recognize that AI is changing the skills needed for their jobs.At the same time, throughout most countries, midcareer and older workers (people aged 45-64) make up a growing portion of the workforce, thanks to steady advances in health and longevity, and comprise 40% of the workforce in Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development countries.For these older workers, especially those who are currently unemployed, advances in new technologies could be a concern. In fact, Generation, a global employment nonprofit organization, conducted research in 2023 in eight countries that showed nearly half of long-term unemployed people are aged 45 and up, and 60% of midcareer workers view their age as their greatest barrier to new employmentand their perception is correct.With this worker demographic shift, a looming social and economic challenge is facing most countries around the globe. To ignite progress and elevate potential for midcareer and older workers, three imperatives stand out:1. Bust the myths: Age and performanceMany employers underestimate and are less likely to hire midcareer candidates than their younger counterparts. Not surprisingly for those who have encountered age bias, research shows that preference for younger candidates intensifies when considering roles that regularly use AI tools. Hiring managers are three times more likely to consider job applicants who are 35 or younger, compared to those 60 and older.However, the 2023 Generation research also shows that 89% of employers who have hired people aged 45+ reported that these individuals perform as well as or better than their younger peers, and 83% of employers said they learned as quickly or even better than their younger counterparts.Its imperative that employers stop clinging to persistent and harmful age biases.2. Green shoots of opportunity: Where the jobs areThere are jobs out there already with the magic mix of an immediate hiring need and a large supply of enthusiastic midcareer candidates.Green jobs are an exciting and unexpected opportunity. In Workdays collaboration with Generation in Spain, more than half of the program participants in our Solar PV Installer Program were over age 40, and most were non-degree holders (only 6% had a post-secondary degree). Within 6 months, 90% of them had been successfully placed in jobs. Green jobs are a clear win-win for candidates and employers.3. Beyond degrees: Skills-based hiring and mobilityMoving to skills-based hiring and assessment, rather than relying solely on 4-year college degrees or very specific previous work experience, will open opportunities for older workers and qualified candidates of all ages.By focusing on assessing skills and giving all hiring teams exposure to interviewing older candidates, we can decrease the likelihood that talented individuals will be overlooked. Moreover, once workers are on the job, employers canand shouldmeasure job performance and use that data to bust myths around midcareer candidate potential.To get candidates into new positions, training and mentorship also play important roles. In Generations 2023 research, 48% of successful midcareer and older job switchers had recent and relevant training prior to being employed, versus only 34% of unemployed individuals.On top of training, mentorship can help smooth career transitions. Workday and Generation developed customized mentor support focusing on the midcareer experienceincluding cultivating a growth mindset and moving seamlessly to a new industry. It was well-received, helping midcareer candidates improve their resumes and better prepare for interviews, with 96% saying they had a positive mentorship experience.The path forward: A two-way streetChange takes collaboration, and both workers and employers should prioritize upskilling.Embracing equity, being inclusive of age differences, and hiring for skills is also good for business. There is research which shows that hiring for skills is five times more predictive of positive job performance than hiring for education alone, and 2.5 times more predictive of success than hiring for past work experience. Additional research shows that those who are hired on based on skills have, on average, a 9% longer tenure at their organizations than traditional hires, saving companies money on turnover and backfilling.Supporting workers in their career journeys helps ensure that individuals, businesses, and societies all thrive.Carrie Varoquiers is the chief philanthropy officer at Workday. Mona Mourshed is the founding global CEO of Generation: You Employed.The Fast Company Impact Council is a private membership community of influential leaders, experts, executives, and entrepreneurs who share their insights with our audience. Members pay annual membership dues for access to peer learning and thought leadership opportunities, events and more.

In todays fast-paced world, its easy to feel that external circumstances dictate our existence. We attribute success and failure to factors beyond our controlthe economy, the government, societal expectations, or unforeseen events.But heres the thing: Blaming externalities diminishes our sense of agency and hinders our growth and fulfillment. The opposite is also true. Choosing personal sovereigntyclaiming our power as the ultimate architects of our life experienceleads to a more empowered and authentic existence.The illusion of controlFrom a young age, we are conditioned to seek validation and direction from external sources. Societys norms, cultural expectations, and even well-meaning parents and leaders teach us to relinquish personal agency. Over time, this reinforces the myth that our locus of control is external. We learn to attribute our outcomes to others, creating a cycle of dependency and disempowerment.Psychologically, we create a self-serving bias. We attribute our successes to personal efforts while blaming our failures on others or external circumstances. The bias serves as a defense mechanism to protect self-esteem, but it also impedes our self-awareness and growth.The consequences of externalizationWhen we habitually blame external circumstances for our unhappiness or failures, we surrender our power to create change. This leads to feelings of helplessness, anxiety, and resentment. It also stifles personal development, as we fail to recognize our role in shaping our experiences.For example, continually attributing a stagnant career to a difficult market or unsupportive colleagues prevents us from examining our own actions, decisions, and attitudes that contribute to the situation. By not acknowledging our part, we miss our opportunities for learning and growth. And we miss the chance to initiate change.What is personal sovereignty?Personal sovereignty is the recognition that we hold the ultimate authority over our lives. It involves taking full responsibility for our actions and outcomes. Yes, external factors influence us, but we hold the power to choose our responses. As psychologists often note, Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional.Embracing personal sovereignty requires a shift from external validation to internal guidance. It means trusting our inner voices and aligning our actions with our core values and beliefs. This alignment promotes authenticity and empowers us to navigate lifes challenges with resilience and purpose. Lets explore how to do this.The 6 steps to personal sovereigntySelf-reflection: Regularly engage in introspection to understand your motivations, desires, and fears. Journaling or meditation can aid in this process, helping you to connect with your inner self.Accept responsibility: Acknowledge your role in your lifes circumstances. Recognize that while you cant control external events, you do control your reactions and decisions.Challenge limiting beliefs: Identify and confront beliefs that constrain your potential. Replace them with empowering narratives that reflect your true capabilities.Set boundaries: Establish clear boundaries to protect your energy and focus. This includes saying no to commitments that dont align with your values or drain your resources.Cultivate self-trust: Build confidence in your decision-making abilities. Start with small choices and gradually take on more significant decisions as your self-trust strengthens.Seek growth opportunities: View challenges as opportunities for learning. Embrace discomfort as a natural part of the growth process.We, alone, hold the power to choose.At the heart of personal sovereignty is the power of choice. Every moment presents an opportunity to choose our thoughts, attitudes, and actions. By consciously making choices that align with our best and most authentic selves, we reclaim our power and transform our life experiences.For example, my own background as a Soviet refugee could easily have made me angry or bitter, with ample reasons to justify a lackluster existence in the U.S. Instead, I chose to earn an advanced education that I continue today. I created a career path spanning decades that allows me to offer a better life for many communities in the U.S. and throughout the world.Kellan Fluckiger, my coauthor, can tell similar tales about choosing growth after decades of struggle with depression and self-sabotage. Well into his adult life he created a path of recovery and growth even after a near-death illness, to inspire millions, first through an award-winning choir and currently as a business coach who has written 12 No. 1 best-selling books, with more to come. These outcomes would not occur without the choice to take full responsibility for our own outcomes, regardless of the unexpected hurdles beyond our control.Its also important for all of us to recognize that embracing personal sovereignty is a continuous journey, not a destination. It requires ongoing commitment, self-compassion, and courage. As we navigate this path, we not only enrich our own lives but also inspire others to reclaim their power and live authentically.Final thoughtsIn a world rife with uncertainties and external pressures, embracing personal sovereignty offers a pathway to empowerment and fulfillment. By recognizing our role as the architects of our life experiences, we move from a state of passive existence to active engagement. This shift enables us to live more authentically, make meaningful contributions, and experience deeper satisfaction.As we embark on this journey, let us remember that true power lies not in controlling external circumstances but in mastering ourselves. By reclaiming our personal sovereignty, we unlock the potential to create a life that truly reflects who we are and what we value.Gene Eidelman is the cofounder of Azure Printed Homes. Kellan Fluckiger is the founder of Kellan Fluckiger International, and the creator of Your Ultimate Life.The Fast Company Impact Council is a private membership community of influential leaders, experts, executives, and entrepreneurs who share their insights with our audience. Members pay annual membership dues for access to peer learning and thought leadership opportunities, events and more.

Keyboards are no longer just input devices, though some people still see them in this utilitarian light. For many computer users, its just as much an extension of themselves as their smartphones, so they choose not only the best-performing keyboards but also the best-looking designs that match their aesthetic tastes. Many such users swear by mechanical keyboards for their tactile feel and distinctive typing sounds, but why stop there when you can go all out on the metal vibe?Even mechanical keyboards still use plastic keycaps, but Awekeys is offering an exciting new way to upgrade your keyboards appeal and experience. More than just metal keys, it presents unique finishes that give your keyboard a unique vintage vibe that makes this common tool look more like a trustworthy and battle-worn weapon from a historic past. Infuse the wild soul of a Viking warrior into your mechanical keyboard and cut down all your typing tasks with prowess and skill.Designer: AwekeysClick Here to Buy Now: $109 $179 (39% off). Hurry, only a few left!From programmers to writers to office workers, avid typists favor mechanical keyboards because of the satisfying experience brought about by using individual switches made of metal and plastic. Most of these, however, stop there and pair up these excellent switches with plastic caps. Its like stopping short of delivering not only the best typing experience but also a design that will make your friends feel more than just a little jealous.The Awekeys Viking Antiques Metal Set brings a collection of keycaps that go all in on metal. These keys deliver a deeper and more solid sound with every press while offering a material that is also more resilient to the heavy wear and tear of typing. Plus, they look and feel even more premium with a unique texture that even painted keycaps cant pull off.In typical Awekeys fashion, the set goes above and beyond the call of duty to deliver a unique aesthetic that adds a special character to your keyboard, one that even hails back to the Vikings of legend. Plated with copper, silver, and gold, the keycaps have an aged look to them, as if theyve seen many battles with words and numbers. Each keycap is also crafted with high precision that brings myths and legends to life. Rune sublegends conceal the divine secrets of language. Watch the roaring dragon-headed ship charge through text from the Caps Lock key. Heed the warnings of Odins twin ravens guarding the Delete key before you erase your words.Every key and every symbol has a story to tell and creates a unique atmosphere whenever you use the keyboard. Instead of an ordinary typist, you become a legendary storykeeper who gets transported to mythic lands with every press of a key. And to top it all off, theres a Gemstone Accent pack with Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, and Black Onyx colors that transforms your keyboard into a regal weapon worthy of the halls of Valhalla.Awekeys metal keycaps dont just make you feel good about typing. They also make you feel good about the environment because of their sustainable design. Using eco-friendly, recycled, and 100% recyclable Cupronickel, the keycaps set reduces waste, brings down CO2 emissions, and offers a premium, long-lasting typing experience. Why hold back on your precious mechanical keyboard when you can deck it with the premium keycaps it so rightfully deserves? Grab the Awekeys Viking Antiques Metal Keycaps Set and feel like a keyboard warrior ready to face any code or document that comes your way.Click Here to Buy Now: $109 $179 (39% off). Hurry, only a few left!The post Viking-inspired Awekeys Vintage Metal Keycaps Bring Out Your Inner Keyboard Warrior first appeared on Yanko Design.

Nikes Air Max Dn became one of the brands most popular sneakers ever since it launched last year during Air Max day. Its main selling point was the Dynamic Air technology, a four-tubed Air unit designed for a more dynamic heel-to-toe transition as well as a wide range of colorways to choose from. Now, Nike has further elevated the line with the release of an upgraded version, the Air Max Dn8. This new iteration builds upon the foundation of its predecessor, introducing a host of enhancements designed to amplify comfort and performance. Most notably, the Air Max Dn8 extends the revolutionary Dynamic Air technology to the full length of the foot, promising an even more immersive and cushioned experience with every stepDesigner: NikeThe Nike Air Max Dn8 has an expanded Dynamic Air system, adding four additional air tubes in the toebox to give you a unique underfoot feel. It is able to create a sustained, pressurized flow from the heel to the forefoot, giving you the feeling of being lower to the ground. The Air Max Dn8s unique Air system is designed to provide a smooth, responsive ride. Both the heel and forefoot feature chambers with varying air pressures. In the heel, youll feel more support at the back, while the forefoot offers increased cushioning at the front. This controlled airflow between the tubes creates a dynamic sensation that adapts to your stride. As you walk, air flows between these tubes, creating a dynamic and cushioned feel.Its not just the technology that has been updated but also the design itself. Just like its predecessor, the Dn8 uses a multi-layered lightweight mesh but now it also has slashes for increased airflow to give your feet more breathing room as you move. Theres also an added layer of material at the toe tip and a plastic heel clip for durability and to keep you more stable when wearing the sneakers. They also use recycled materials as part of their commitment to lower their carbon footprint and reduce emissions.The Air Max Dn8 is available in several colorways like the striking Black/Gym Red, Laser Fuschia/Black, Metallic Red Bronze/Beige/Hemp/Black, and more colors to follow. Ultimately, the Air Max Dn8 delivers on its promise of enhanced comfort and a smoother ride. Whether youre a seasoned runner or simply seeking a stylish and comfortable everyday sneaker, the Dn8s advanced Air technology and thoughtful design upgrades make it a worthwhile investment. With a growing range of colorways, theres a Dn8 to suit every style, ensuring you can step out in both comfort and confidence.The post Nike Air Max Dn8 brings you next-level air comfort as you move first appeared on Yanko Design.

An arbitrator has prevented the employee from promoting her book and disparaging the company until private arbitration concludes.