23andMe changes terms of service to block class action lawsuits after massive hack

Image: 23andMe

Genetic testing company 23andMe updated its terms of service to prevent customers from filing class action lawsuits or participating in a jury trial against the company, days after disclosing that hackers had breached its system and accessed the personal information of nearly seven million customers (half of its user base) in October.

The company emailed customers to announce that it had revised the “Dispute Resolution and Arbitration section” of its terms, which barred customers from filing class action lawsuits, a likely scenario given the scale of the hack. Customers who did not opt out of the new terms within 30 days would automatically agree to them, the email said.

Click to read more ...

Motorola Razr+ now comes in 'Peach Fuzz'

Image: Motorola

Motorola has teamed up with Pantone once again to launch a special edition of its Razr+ smartphone in Peach Fuzz. It's available in select markets for US$699.99 (around CA$951), which is already US$300 (~CA$408) off its original price. 

Pantone's Colour of the Year is inspired by a juicy summer treat. Peach Fuzz, or Pantone 13-1023, is a “velvety” and “gentle” hue that evokes “a cozy, tender essence that embodies feelings of togetherness, community and collaboration.” 

Click to read more ...

Apple surprises with Qi2 wireless charging support for older iPhones

Apple, known for its cautious approach to new standards, already surprised us with Qi2 compatibility on its iPhone 15, but it seems that Cupertino has more tricks up its sleeve. According to 9to5Mac and some users, the release notes for the iOS 17.2 release candidate state that this update adds "Qi2 charger support for all iPhone 13 models and iPhone 14 models." This implies that these iPhone models can support up to 15W wireless charging with Qi2-certified chargers, although the release notes did not confirm the power specs. We will find out when Apple releases iOS 17.2 to the general public—probably in a few days.

Click to read more ...

McDonald’s teams up with Google to bring AI to thousands of stores by 2024

Photo: McDonald's

McDonald’s and Google are teaming up to bring generative AI to thousands of stores by 2024. The fast-food giant will use artificial intelligence to analyze huge amounts of data and improve its operations. One of the benefits, according to McDonald’s, will be “hotter, fresher food” for customers. How exactly will AI achieve that? It’s not very clear, but it seems to imply more automation at the drive-through.

The fast food chain doesn’t reveal much about how AI will be used, but it says it will involve hardware and software upgrades in "thousands" of stores and Google Cloud services. The new system will help managers solve problems and avoid disruptions faster.

Click to read more ...