Thursday
Aug052021

Peloton brings back basic running mode to all its users

Source: Peloton

Following several accidents on the Tread+ treadmill, Peloton temporarily moved its basic running mode of the machine behind its subscription service, which means non-authorized users won't be able to make it run. Now, an update will allow all users to access the Just Run feature without a subscription while still locking it up with a pin code. The Tread Lock feature locks the device if it hasn't been used in 45 seconds or you aren't in a class. It ensures that inexperienced users—especially children—won't get to access them. Twenty-nine cases were reported of injuries to children, including second- and third-degree abrasions and broken bones.

After the reports of injuries and one death, Peloton had to issue a recall of its Tread and Tread+ treadmills in the US and Canada. The company also implemented the passcode at that time for the basic running mode, but it was only available to subscribers. To offset that cost, Peloton gave users a free subscription for three months, with the promise of the update that's now rolling out. As part of the recall in the US, Tread+ owners can get a full refund if they decide to return their treadmills by November 6, 2022.

Source: Engadget

Wednesday
Aug042021

Zoom will pay USD 85 million to users over misleading encryption claims

Zoom has agreed to settle a class-action lawsuit against the company for misleading users about offering end-to-end encryption. The company will pay USD 85 million or around USD 15 or USD 25 each for Zoom users in the US. The amount depends on whether the user has a free or paid subscription between March 30, 2016, and July 30, 2021. Zoom was accused of lying about its encryption description on its site and in a security white paper. The company was also accused of providing user data to Facebook and Google without users' permission.

The suit was filed at the US District Court for the Northern District of California. Zoom also agreed to over a dozen changes to its practices, "designed to meet security, bolster privacy disclosures, and safeguard consumer data." A hearing on the plaintiffs' motion for preliminary approval of the settlement is scheduled for October 21, 2021.

Source: MacRumors

Wednesday
Aug042021

Apple will reportedly bring 'Buy now, pay later' program to Canada

Apple and Affirm Holdings Inc.'s PayBright will reportedly bring its "Buy now, pay later" program to Canada. According to a message sent to Apple retail employees in the region, the companies plan to offer this initiative this month at Apple's online and physical retail stores in the country. The company will let iPhone, Mac, and iPad buyers pay for their purchases over 12 or 24 months. The program won't include Apple products like the Apple Watch and AirPods. Apple will also supposedly offer the program interest-free for a limited time after the launch.

The monthly payment system will also support down payments via trade-ins of existing devices, and Apple care will also be supported. 

Source: Bloomberg

Tuesday
Aug032021

Logitech Zone True Wireless Earbuds is certified by Zoom, Microsoft, and Google

Source: Logitech

As a sign of the times, Logitech has just launched some new wireless and wired earbuds for business professionals. The pair we want to focus on is the new Zone True Wireless Earbuds. According to the company, these are the first buds to be certified for use on three major video conferencing platforms: Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams. These TWS earbuds also support Bluetooth and Logitech's wireless USB receiver, allowing you to switch between smartphones and your computer easily.

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